Explore the world. Discover yourself. - Nirvana Tours

Explore the world. Discover yourself.

ASIA

2009/2010

Bangladesh 93

Bhutan 95

Cambodia 28-44

China 22-74

India 22-97

Indonesia 59-61

Japan and Korea 62-66

Laos 22-40

Malaysia 55-58

Maldives 92

Mongolia 24, 79

Nepal 23,96-99

Pakistan 23, 96

Thailand 22-52

Tibet 22-82

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Iran 25

Vietnam 27-38

Adventure by Country

Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure

Break away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of wonder and self discovery. Walk away from the everyday routine and allow us to introduce you to the most incredible places on earth. You will gain a fuller understanding of our fragile world and see your place within it. This is your time to enjoy the thrill of

gaining perspective and participating in something truly life-altering.

Let us help you to fulfi ll your dreams and unleash your spirit of adventure.

Why travel with

G.A.P Adventures?

‘‘This tour was amazing! We absolutely loved everything about it. In a

life-time we never could have experienced what G.A.P Adventures offered us on this trip.”

– Jane H., United States Best Of Southern India

Why travel with

G.A.P Adventures?ChoiceIts All About

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

The world is full of so many fascinating places that we couldn’t possibly narrow your choices to a select few continents, even if we tried. This is why we provide a

larger spectrum of adventures than any tour operator. Whether you are dreaming of walking the length of the Great Wall of China or sipping on Sake in Japan, we can make it happen.

CHOOSE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Maybe you’re a hardcore traveller looking for just the essentials and some friendly faces to share the experience, or maybe you’re looking for a softer

landing at the end of a long day. We recognize that everyone has different com-

fort zones, so we’ve created different styles of travel for anyone looking for a bit of adventure. Whatever your preference, we have something for you.

CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY

We don’t want to cramp your style. So, our trips are created with fl exibility in mind. While we include the must-sees and must-dos, we leave plenty of room

for you to explore on your own or to participate in optional activities. This gives you the ultimate freedom and fl exibility to do as much or as little as you want on any given day.

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

We’ve got the widest range of departures around! We know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true. You fi gure out when you want to go, and we’ll have a date to fi t your schedule.

✈

The world is full of so many fascinating places that we couldn’t possibly narrow your choices to a select few

larger spectrum of adventures than any

We’ve got the widest range of departures around! We know that’s a bold statement, know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true. You fi gure out

Maybe you’re a hardcore traveller looking for just the essentials and some friendly faces to share the

landing at the end of a long day. We recognize that everyone has different com-

We don’t want to cramp your style. So, our trips are created with fl exibility in mind. While we include the

for you to explore on your own or to participate in optional activities. This gives you

Travelling Solo? | good for you!

Embarking on a trip by yourself does not mean you have to be alone! Plenty of our travellers join our trips solo. With a G.A.P Adventure group, you have two options:

No Single Supplement – On most of our trips, you can be paired with a member of the same-sex to share a room. This means that there is absolutely no single supplement.

‘My Own Room’ Option – Sometimes, its just more comfortable to have your own room. Look for the ‘My Own Room’ supplement on the trip pages, if the price appears, you can choose to pay to guarantee yourself a single room.

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Stop Dreaming... And Start PlanningYou’ll fi nd hundreds of adventures that will take you on unforget-table journeys throughout the world. Some will provide serenity and peace in exotic locations, while others will take your breath away – literally in some cases! Whether you dream of lazing in a hammock under a coconut tree in Thailand or trekking for four days on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, G.A.P Adventures will take you there.

Authentic Experience | bursting the tourist bubble

We burst the tourist bubble and show you the real world. You could fi nd yourself onshore with thousands of king penguins, darting around food stalls in a Beijing night market, on the back of an elephant in the wilds of Thailand or camping out in Africa’s savannah, falling asleep to the distant roars of lions.

Value for Money | experience doesn’t have to be expensive

The nature of our authentic grassroots style of travel makes travelling our way interesting. Small scale accommodation and transport with a local fl air are a big part of the experience, all for the best prices in the industry. We build more inclusions into the tour price – adding value to your holiday.

Group Size | small groups provide fl exibility

On most trips, we keep our groups to an average of 12 like-minded international travellers. These group sizes have a low impact on the areas we travel through, allowing us to interact with small communities with ease. Most importantly, small groups allow our tour leaders to look after your needs with a personal touch.

100% Guaranteed Departures | look for these symbols

All departures on trips with this symbol are guaranteed to run.

All trips with this symbol have selected dates that are guaranteed to run.

This is our promise that your departure will be operating as scheduled once you have booked. That means you can have the peace of mind to book your tour, fi ghts and insurance, then start looking forward to the holiday of a lifetime!

Check our website or talk to your travel agent for the most up to date list of Guaranteed Departures and 100% Guaranteed

Departures. See our Terms and Conditions for more details.

What you can expect

‘‘Our tour to Japan brought us the opportunities to explore on our own and as

a group. It gave us the confidence to step out of was our comfort zone. A great experience

which went by way too fast! But as they say time flies when you’re having fun.”

– Arbon, Australia Discover Japan

Expect The Unexpected!That’s the most important advice we can provide about the G.A.P Adventures style of travel. For the most part, you will be travelling in developing countries in areas very different from home. So, the best approach is to and keep an open mind. You could be invited to swill Gengis Khan Vodka at the Naadam Festival in Mongolia. Or you might get soaked by a mid-afternoon monsoon in India, but then realize that it’s one of the most delightful showers you’ve ever had. This is the beauty of adventure travel!

Transportation | mix it up!We try to give you the best cross-section of culture. One say you might fi nd yourself jumping on the back of a motorbike taxi in the chaotic streets of Hanoi, the next you could be sitting in an air-conditioned private van driving along the coast. Whatever the transportation method, you can be sure it will be more than just a way to get from A to B.

Unique Accommodation | capturing the local essenceOften you’ll spend the night in a hotel, other nights camping at high altitude, or on the water aboard a yacht. Perhaps you’ll be staying in hilltribe village in Northern Thailand, or enjoying the serenity of a mountain monastery in Japan. Whatever and wherever it is, your accommodation will refl ect the local fl avour. Rooms are usually based on same-sex twin-share, and solo travellers don’t have to pay extra!

Diverse Food | a big part of the travelling experienceOne of the great thrills of travel, is sampling the local cuisine and discovering new tastes and fl avours. Your G.A.P Adventures trip will give you plenty of opportunity to feast on the delicacies of the region, whether that’s with the meals included in the tour or when you branch out and discover your own culinary gems.

However, when in remote regions such as on an expedition cruise, aboard one of our yachts, or on safari in Africa, we include most meals. The food we include is hearty and fresh and most people are amazed at what our cooks and chefs can achieve onboard or at camp. See trip details for meal inclusions.

International Groups | great minds think alikeOur adventures are sold all over the world. You’re likely to be travelling with a range of nationalities, exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures with a like-minded but diverse group.

LeadersYour Trip

For many of our travellers, a big reason to choose a G.A.P Adventures trip is the leader. All of our group trips are led by either a group leader, a G.A.P Adventures representative or an expedition team. They enrich your journey, providing practical tips on the regions you are travelling to, while giving you the inside scoop on the culture.

Your trip leader will take the hassle out of the boring stuff like getting bus and entrance tickets so you spend less time queuing; arranging all the accommodation so you check-in to hotels straight away. Trip leaders are there as both your adventure concierge and your travel advisor!

They will provide information on the places you’re travelling through, offer handy language tips, make suggestions for things to do and see, recom-mend great local eateries, and introduce you to our local friends.

In a lot of instances the leaders are locals themselves, and if they’re not true locals, chances are they will have travelled through the region count-less times and know it like the back of their hand.

For our Expedition sailings and marine voyages we have highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including naturalist guides in Galapagos and the Amazon, and a full expedition team aboard the M/S Expedition.

I thrive on providing our travellers with a one-of-a-kind experience. I love teaching them about Africa, and making them laugh. Though the best thing about tour leading for G.A.P Adventures is the ability to help our travellers make their dreams of travel and adventure a reality.”

– Benjamin Stasiuk, General Manager, Africa

Local Payment | most of our tours require a local payment

This is the fi nal payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the fl ow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures repre-sentative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.

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Find your trip style

‘‘The whole trip was incredible! I saw and experienced things

that I’d never even dreamed of...”

– Jane H., United States Best Of Southern India

A Trip As Individual As You! Some of you can’t wait to lace up your hiking boots and trek the Inca Trail, while others are looking forward to exploring museums or trying new foods at the local markets. Everyone has different travel preferences so we’ve built a trip style for everyone who wants to add a little – or a lot – of adventure to their holidays.

ClassicThe Classic G.A.P Adventures trip is all

about immersing yourself in the local culture

and truly experiencing a destination. Whether

that’s through interacting with the communities

you visit, seeing amazing and unique wildlife up

close, or just getting out there and taking in the

great outdoors.

ActiveThis has to beat the treadmill at the gym!

Our range of Active trips adds the thrill of a

physical challenge to your holiday. So if you

like nothing more than hitting the trail at sunrise,

peddling along mountain passes or kayaking

along fast fl owing rivers, then Active adventures

are just what you’re looking for. Be warned –

you’ll work up a sweat, but you will have access

to sights and experiences other travellers would

consider privileged to see!

FamilyLooking for something a little more exciting

than your average family holiday? For a truly

unique family vacation, our Family adventures

take the spirit of our Classic trips, and make

them accessible to all (minimum age is 5) for

a fun-fi lled and educational holiday. With safe,

private transport, nice hotels and included local

payments, these trips were designed for family

convenience. From the busy market bazaars and

surreal elephant rides in India to the hilltribe

villages of Thailand, there’s literally a world of

family adventure waiting for you!

VolunteerVolunteer adventures have been designed

as a way to give even more back to the com-

munities and regions we visit. G.A.P Adventures

travellers can make a direct and very real differ-

ence to their quality of life for local communi-

ties. The benefi ts to you are even greater cultural

immersion, more time in the community and the

ability to take a hands-on approach to bringing

about positive changes.

OverlandGet back to some old-school adventure

travel and hit the open road in one of our

all-purpose overland trucks. Our trips provide

the best of both worlds. Stay in hotels and enjoy

the cities and towns, while roughing it on the

road in an overland truck. Expect a real hands-on

experience as you set up camp, help out at meal

times and team up with your fellow travellers as

you cross rivers, plains, plateaus and mountain

passes. You could be sleeping out in the open

air of Mongolia or swimming in Kuang Si Falls

in Laos; every morning is a new adventure.

IndependentThis trip style is for those who don’t want

to follow a fi xed itinerary. It gives you the

freedom to arrange your holiday how you want.

Choose from city breaks to mini adventures, to

complete two week touring options, with comfort

levels to suit all tastes.

Limited EditionMany of our adventures are special – and

these are even more so. From photography

trips to visiting some of the world’s great

festivals, these adventures are limited – so

hurry! Be sure to check our website or visit

your travel agent for the latest Limited Editions

trips, as we’ll be introducing more through and

the course of the year.

ExpeditionTaking you to the Polar extremes aboard

the newly retrofi tted M/S Expedition, our

expeditions will take you to places you never

dreamed possible. From the great white wilder-

ness of Antarctica to the Arctic Circle, and many

points in between, these adventures deliver the

very best in wildlife and nature, along with awe-

inspiring scenery.

Flip to the next page and fi nd your comfort zone...

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How adventurous

are you?

‘‘The tour provided the diversity of the landscapes, people, chaos

and tranquility. My favorite experiences were when I could capture the authentic moments

of day-to-day life such as walking through a village or observing a temple service.”

– April H., Canada Delhi To Kathmandu Adventure

Each trip is evaluated based on how physically demanding it is. This guide will help you to choose a trip that is suitable to your level of fi tness and maximise your enjoyment.

Physical demands are determined according to the following scale:

You will have to get around on your own, up and down hotel steps and carry your own bag.

Light walking and hiking that is suit-able for most fi tness levels.

May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fi tness to enjoy.

May include high altitude hiking of up to 8 hours a day, or other activities that require a moderately high level of fi tness.

High altitude trekking or cycling, suitable for those with a high level of fi tness and endurance.

Please note: Many G.A.P Adventures’ trips include only one element that may increase the physical grading to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in this activity. For specifi c trip details refer to the trip details or contact your travel agent.

suitable for those with a high level of suitable for those with a high level of fi tness and endurance.

Please note: Many G.A.P Adventures’ trips include only one element that may increase the physical grading to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in this activity. For specifi c trip details refer to the trip details or contact your travel agent.

suitable for those with a high level of

Please note: Many G.A.P Adventures’ trips include only one element that may increase the physical grading to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in this activity. For specifi c trip details refer to the trip details or contact your travel agent.details refer to the trip details or contact your travel agent.

DemandsPhysicalChoose Your Comfort Zone Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to fi nd the right trip for you.

Service LevelsTo help you choose the trip that’s right for you, we’ve broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you’re travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

Basic | this is grassroots travel at its most interesting...Dive headfi rst into culture and amazing experiences at a budget price. We’ve included just the basics so you have total freedom and fl exibility to explore on your own. Experience life like a local by staying in remote or rustic guesthous-es. Expect your multi-shared room or campsite to be simple and clean, with the occasional cold shower and sporadic electricity. Travel around on anything that moves, be it bus, train, camel, rickshaw or good old foot power.

Standard | authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home... Step out of the normal tourist mind-set and truly experience the world. Most nights will have you staying in a simple yet clean twin-share hotel or lodge rooms with private facilities, complete with running water and electric-ity. Occasionally you may have a multi-share night at rustic local guesthouses, with communal bathrooms and the sporadic cold shower. Transportation will be a combination of public transport, private buses and some private vehicles.

Comfort | for those who like to travel in comfort...Feed your curiosity for culture and authentic experience while still maintain-ing the comforts you are used to at home. Relax, your arrival transfer is always included. Expect air conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms, television, phone services, cafe/bar and internet. 24 hr electricity and hot water are the norm and continental breakfast is always included. For the most part, you will be travelling around in air-conditioned fi xed route tourist buses, private touring vehicles or planes.

Superior | all the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold

ribbon... Experiencing the world doesn’t have to mean sacrifi cing comfort. It’s your holiday and you deserve the best in life. Jetset around the country by plane, comfortable trains and private air-conditioned buses and touring vehicles. Expect unique, upscale, stylish accommodation with amenities such as a pool, mini bar and restaurant, amongst other things. The food will be exquisite and most meals are included.

If you can dream it, we can take you there.If you haven’t found what you’re looking for in the pages of this brochure, G.A.P Adventures Custom Tours allow you to create your own trip. Call your booking agent for more details.

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“ Planeterra is a labour of love and a dream that has come together after years of planning. We are proud of the great work that has been accomplished over the past 5 years. The impact has not only touched the communities we visit, but has changed our industry and the way people look at it. You have the power to make a difference and only through your diligence are we going to change the world together.”

– Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G.A.P Adventures

Planeterra Gives The Gift of Sight to 300 People in Tibet

location: tibet

Tibet has one of the highest rates of blindness in the world, caused mostly by cataracts. Many people affected by blind-ness live in remote areas far away from eye care services. This year, Planeterra sent an experienced team of Tibetan eye care specialists with medical supplies to the Amdo area, facilitating 300 sight-restoring surgeries. In addition, Planeterra raised $15,000 to fund an eye camp to be held at the Charity Hospital in Xi Ning, the capital city of Amdo.

2008/09 Goal: Our goal is to support one eye camp per year and with your support we can continue to give the gift of sight to men, women and children in Tibet.

How You Can HelpDOLLAR-A-DAY PROGRAMDonate one dollar, euro, or pound per day (depending on your home country) for the duration of your tour. 100% of these proceeds go directly to support Planeterra projects.

MAKE A DONATIONEach year money raised through traveller donations and fundraising efforts are dispersed between the community projects and international charities that we support.

VISIT OUR PROJECTSTo visit a Planeterra Project, ask your adventure specialist for details.

FUNDRAISING EVENTSFor more information on upcoming events or to organize your own event in support of Planeterra, please visit planeterra.org

We Will Match Every Dollar Donated This means that 100% of all donations are doubled and go directly to the Planeterra Projects. For a full list of projects, please visit planeterra.org. Here are a couple of projects that your donations have helped in 2007. Keep up the great work!

Planeterra Supports Street Children in India location: new delhi, india

Planeterra provides support to street children in and around railway stations, crowded bus stops, business areas and slum areas of New Delhi. Over 5000 street children have been provided with clothes, food, health care, education, counseling, recreational activities, job skills training and job placement.

Travellers can now take part in an exciting city walk through the enchanting streets of the inner city of Paharganj and the New Delhi railway station area led by one of the children from this project. Funds raised on G.A.P Adventures tours go to sup-port this project’s health post and will cover the cost of medicines, diagnostics, and salaries for a doctor, health worker and peer educators.

2008/09 Goal: Continue to raise funds to support the health post. A total of $8,700 USD is needed to fund the health post for an entire year.

Planeterra Provides Water to Villages on Nepal location: annapurna region, nepal

Although Nepal is rich in fresh water, women and children spend several hours each day walking to fetch water for their daily consumption. Access to clean, safe drinking water is diffi cult to obtain in mountain-ous regions where communities are located on steep slopes and ridges. Planeterra provides access to

water in the Annapurna region of Nepal by purchasing water tanks and installing them at village schools.

2008/09 Goal: Currently, we have purchased 5 new water tanks for villages in this region. More funds are needed for further installations and tanks in more villages.

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Travel Responsibly!Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what we’re all about. But it’s also up to you to make a difference. By choosing G.A.P Adventures, we can work together to experience the world in a responsible and sustainable manner.

What We Are Doing

Planet Positive Our environmental commitment to reduce our carbon impact is made possible with our ambitious Planet Positive Project, which includes planting one million trees in Africa, Asia and Latin America. To make this goal possible, we have part-nered with Trees For the Future, an organization that helps people in developing countries improve their rural livelihoods through the introduction of environmen-tally sustainable land management projects focused on tree planting.

What You Can Dobook a trip and we will plant a tree! Looking to do your piece? Travel with us! For every passenger who books a 2009 G.A.P Adventures trip, we will plant a tree.

offset your fl ights! Visit our online carbon calculator to determine how much CO2 you can offset from your travels. We have partnered with Sustainable Travel International to offer MyClimate carbon offsets. Your contribution will go towards reforestation efforts in developing countries as well as renewable and energy effi cient projects around the globe.

get dirty for earth dayJoin us for a worldwide clean-up. Each April in recognition of Earth Day, G.A.P Adventures staff and travellers participate in a world-wide community, trail and beach clean-up.

TravellersTips for

AS A TRAVELLER

You can do a lot to help ensure that tourism remains a positive experience for travellers and hosts alike. The following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally sensitive travel:

• Stay on the trail

• Respect wildlife

• Do not litter

• Reduce waste

• Say no to plastic bags

• Opt for beverages

in glass bottles

• Bring rechargeable

batteries

• Use biodegradable

soap and shampoo

• Respect cultural

differences

• Dress appropriately

• Ask before taking

photos

• Learn a few phrases

in another language

• Learn about local customs

• Support local artisans

impact and culturally sensitive travel:

• Say no to plastic bags

‘‘What a fantastic way to get dirty and feel good about doing something great for the environment!”

– Jackie Arsenault‘‘‘‘‘‘

‘‘The Newsletter makes you want to turn off your computer, quit your job, & start travelling! I hope to be travelling with you again soon!”

– Charlotte G., USA

Whether you’re dreaming of that perfect adventure or if you’ve just come back, gapadventures.com is your place to get inspired or share your travel experiences!

Get Inspired Sign up to our “Bridging the Gap” newsletter and let us inspire you! We’ll let you know our favourite places to visit, give you the inside scoop on new destinations, and open up the world of travel straight into your inbox.

Do Your Research Sit back and enjoy traveller-submitted videos, photos, blogs and head to our forum to ask all the questions you can think of! We have tons of useful destination info, trip reviews and lots of travel resources to make your decision an easy one.

Book and Go! Once you’ve decided where you want to go, the hard part is done! Just call your favourite adventure specialist, book online or visit your travel agent. Then log onto the gapcommunity’s Watering Hole and introduce yourself to your fellow travellers. Long lasting connections are made before you even leave home!

Share Your Experience!Just returned from the trip of a lifetime? Inspire others to take an adventure by visiting the community and sharing your photos, blogs, videos and stories.

Prefer the Human Touch?Check out the list of preferred agents online then head to your favourite travel agent or find your nearest G.A.P Adventures Concept Store to discuss your travel plans.

gapadventures.comDream. Live. Share.

13

14For information on trip styles,service level

& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - fAmIly trIpS

If you’re looking for peace of mind, find the the trips labelled with the “GUARANTEED” stamp. This means that your departure is guaranteed to run once you have booked on

it. For more information on guaranteed departures, check out our website or ask a trusted travel agent.

100% Guarantee

d

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 15fAmIly trIpS - ASIA

CHECK OUT THESE FAMILY TRIPS...

Borneo - fAmIly Adventure10 Day • trIp code: aaFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

Sabah is breathtaking! Discover its magical combination of unique wildlife, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. Come face to face with orangutans, enjoy the crystal clear sea and explore tribal villages. A fantastic balance of wildlife, culture and relaxing playtime on the beach, this trip is a must for the active family.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs monthly, year round.

SERVICE LEVEL STANDARD PHYSICAL DEmAND 2�

nepAl fAmIly Adventure12 Day • trIp code: aNFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

Nepal is a magical country of immense beauty and diversity. It is blessed with gurgling rivers, pristine forests, amazing wildlife, medieval temples and hospitable locals. Expose your family to a dazzling array of nature, wildlife and cultural activities, all set in the breathtaking mountains of Nepal. This adventure is educational and fun for the entire family.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs monthly year round.


chInA fAmIly Adventure14 Day • trIp code: aCFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

With something for the entire family, our China Family Adventure takes you from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors and the lush countryside of Yangshuo. Cosmopolitan cities, fascinating villages and world-famous sights will provide you and your family with fond memories on this fun and educational trip.



IndIA fAmIly Adventure12 Day • trIp code: aHFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

Visit small rural villages, ride elephants, shop in market bazaars, hunt for tigers on a jeep safari and visit the newest wonder of the world - the Taj Mahal - on this 12-day family adventure to a country so rich in history and culture!

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs Oct to April.


vIetnAm fAmIly Adventure12 Day • trIp code: aVFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

Learn why people burn incense before Buddha statues and just why motorbikes rule the roads in Vietnam! Visit a place where quiet rural towns stand in contrast to the fast pace of the cities. Savour scenic, historical, cultural and culinary delights whilst at the same time having a lot of fun, as you travel the length of the country from vibrant Hanoi down to chaotic Saigon.



thAIlAnd fAmIly Adventure14 Day • trIp code: aTFa • trIp Style: fAmIly

The whole family can explore Thailand’s northern treasures and see how local hilltribe people live in simple accommodation in the mountains. Visit temples and markets of the north before heading to the south for beaches and relaxation. The food in the market stalls is great, and should not be missed.




& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - lImIted edItIon trIpS

CHECK OUT THESE LIMITED EDITION TRIPS...

Thailand

hArBIn Ice feStIvAl7 Day • trIp code: aCHF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

The Harbin Ice Festival, established in 1985, is held annually starting on January 5 and lasts for over one month. Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang Province and this is China’s original and greatest ice artwork festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of local people and visitors from all over the world. Come join us as we bundle up and enjoy the winter outdoors!

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Deparst in January.


loSAr tIBetAn new yeAr14 Day • trIp code: aCTF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

In Tibet, there are many festivals throughout the year that attract the faithful as well as curious onlookers. Most important are the Losar - Tibetan New Year and Monlam Prayer Festivals which are colourful, traditional and exotic for everyone - whether you’ve been to Tibet before or are visiting for the first time.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departsin January.


kAIlASh SAGA dAwA feStIvAl20 Day • trIp code: aCSF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

An incredible overland journey across the roof of the world to Asia’s most sacred mountain, Kailash, with a side trip to the legendary Everest Base Camp before descending to Kathmandu. Amble through colourful bazaars, see Mt Everest from many different angles, and circumnavigate Mt Kailash, which is said to bring good luck to whomever completes the circuit.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in June.


moST of ouR ADVENTuRES ARE SPECIAL, BuT THESE ARE TRuLY uNIQuE.

From photography trips to visiting some of the world’s greatest festivals, these adventures will give you amazing experiences that will fuel your stories for years to come! But depar tures are limited. Check our website or visit your preferred travel agent for the latest Limited Edition trips!

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TRULY UNIQUE?

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Deparst in January.

Limited Edition

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 17lImIted edItIon trIpS - ASIA

CHECK OUT THESE FESTIVAL TRIPS...

nAAdAm feStIvAl monGolIA15 Day • trIp code: aMNF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

A special trip to the land of Ghengis Khan where archery, horse races and Mongolian wrestling excite the country during the Naadam Festival! Beyond the festivities of the “three manly games”, get out and explore the city of Ulaan Baatar and lush green countryside, which is dotted with ancient monasteries. Join nomadic herders who live in tent-like gers in the land where wild horses roam free.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in June/July.


kAndy eSAlA perAherA feStIvAl8 Day • trIp code: aSKF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

The Esala Perahera is a huge cultural pageant and one of the most colourful processions in the world. Thousands of drummers and dancers perform in the streets of Kandy accompanied by a parade of ornamented elephants. The leading tusker carries the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, while the spectators pay homage to it.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in July/August.


JApAn Summer feStIvAlS14 Day • trIp code: aJSF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

Travel around Japan on a unique summer festival adventure. Learn the roots of the various festivals and how they have evolved throughout the years whether it’s dancing at the Odori Festival in Gijo Hachiman or making the pilgramige to Koyasan for the Obon Festival. Watch as intricate Japanese traditions come to life right before your eyes while you dance in the streets, observe fireworks over the sea, and watch the sky be painted red by bonfires.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in August.


JApAn SprInG feStIvAlS10 Day • trIp code: aJFF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Some are so different that they do not even remotely resemble the original festival despite sharing the same name and date. Journey with us to uncover Japan’s Spring festivals.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in May.


puShkAr cAmel feStIvAl8 Day • trIp code: aHPF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs in November.

Witness one of India’s largest and most colourful livestock and religious festivals. Thousands of people from rural India flock to Pushkar during the fair and around 50,000 camels are sold, decorated, shaved and raced. After the festivities, relax in a 16th century castle and explore small villages.


cArnIvAl GoA 8 Day • trIp code: aHGF • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Deaprts in Febeuary.

Explore Goa while experiencing the most eagerly awaited event, the Goa Carnival. Sample Goan hospitality and warmth during the Goa Carnival and relive bygone dynasties as you wander the ruins of ancient temples and palaces at the fabulous World heritage site of Hampi. Watch the streets come alive with music and colour during this 3-day festival and use the remaining time for hiking, biking, swimming and exploring.



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - lImIted edItIon trIpS

photoGrAph chInA14 Day • trIp code: aCPC • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs May - July, August and September.

From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors to the Giant Pandas, China is a dream to photograph. With glamorous cities, picture perfect countrysides and ancient architecture, China is sure to intrigue you and have you wanting to come back for more.


CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS...

photoGrAph tIBet12 Day • trIp code: aCPT • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs May, June, August and Seeptember.

Visit monastic complexes, chaotic markets and the legendary Tiananmen Square in this memorable journey. Observe pilgrims making merit by circling temples on their knees and see the spiritual Samye Monastery, which was the first temple in Tibet. Snap away at forts, temples, markets and the bustling cities in this picturesque journey across the roof of the world.


photoGrAph JApAn12 Day • trIp code: aJPJ • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

Scratch the glossy modern surface of Tokyo and discover a land of tradition and culture. Visit ancient shrines, conquer the famous Mt Fuji and enjoy the atmosphere in a Japanese baseball game! Miyajima Island also offers one of the most beautiful views in the country. This 12-day adventure is perfect for the traveller with a keen interest in photography.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs April, June, September and October.


photoGrAph IndIA14 Day • trIp code: aHPH • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

India is a photographers dream. From the colors and activity of the many bazaars to the peaceful and romantic Taj Mahal, you are sure to satisfy your appetite for the perfect photograph in this incredible journey. Head into the Corbett National Park in search of tigers and wildlife and enjoy the views of the Great Himalayan mountains from our sleepy village.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs, December, February, September and November.


photoGrAph nepAl12 Day • trIp code: aNPN • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

Blessed with gurgling rivers, luxuriant forests and pristine wildlife, Nepal is the perfect destination for photographers - professional and amateur alike. Nepal is filled to the brim with medieval temples and monuments, incredible wildlife such as tigers and rhinos, and hospitable locals. You are bound to be captivated by this magical country.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs March, May, October and December.


photoGrAph South eASt ASIA14 Day • trIp code: aTPT • trIp Style: lImIted edItIon

Step into three incredible countries with diverse landscapes and explore their hidden gems and famous landmarks, all providing moments to be captured for eternity. From the back lanes and chaos of Bangkok to the serenity of Angkor, and the French influence of Luang Prabang, you will be amazed at the variety in this cross-country adventure.

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Departs on December.


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 19volunteer trIpS - ASIA

proJect IndIA14 Day • trIp code: aHPJ • trIp Style: volunteer

* All prices per person based on double occupancy. Ask for additional dates, single, triple and child pricing. Blackouts and surcharges may apply in peak seasons.


Siem Reap, Cambodia

these specially designed trips are a hands-on holiday that give you the opportunity to help improve the basic living conditions of local people and contribute to environmental and wildlife conservation. On a typical volunteer trip, you spend a couple days helping out alongside villagers in a local community project, then head out on a well-deserved tour of their country. On others, we allow you to focus just on the volunteer work. Either way, this is a truly unique cultural experience that will satisfy your mind and your soul.

no training or special skills are required, just a desire to help make a difference.

Satisfy your Soul. Volunteer.

Travelling through Rajasthan is like walking through a kaliedoscope of culture. Participate in a five-day community volunteer project at the Bal Prakash Center which focuses on the eradication of child labour by a meaningful blend of education and vocation. Make a difference and be prepared to fall head over heels in love with India!

“This tour was a great combination of working, contributing to the community and country, and exploring the country as a tourist.” - Melissa

Palsenbarg, CA

PLEASE CHECK ouR WEB SITE oR TALK To YouR TRAVEL AGENT

LOOKING FOR MORE

VOLUNTEER TRIPS IN ASIA?

Asia & India

This trip was the most amazing experience of my life.

Everything was perfect, I took in so much and really got a taste of the culture. My

outlook on life has changed so much.” – Connie K, Canada

Angkor Wat, CambodiaJapan

Nepal

India

Thailand

China

Cambodia

Vietnam

mongolia

Sri Lanka

Laos

A ncient temples swallowed by the jungle, fiery cuisines, stunning beaches and the friendliest people

around. This is Asia. Whether you want to follow in the

footsteps of Buddha through India, trek to the tops of Nepal or just hang out

with the hill-tribes in Thailand, we can take you there.

1. Watch the sun set off the coast of Koh Tao, Thailandpage 41

2. Get clothes tailor-made in Hoi An, Vietnampage 30

4. Watch the sun rise behind Angkor Wat Cambodiapage 32

3. Swim in Kuang Si Falls, Laospage 37

5. Sail to Komodo Island, Indonesia page 59

6. Take an epic journey on the Trans Mongolia Expresspage 29

7. Discover the detail of each Terracotta Warrior, in Xi’an, Chinapage 21

8. Skip a beat in the Heart of Pakistan, Lahore,page 23

9. Count your steps to Everest Base Camp, Tibetpage 99

10. Watch the sacred sin cleansing on the Ganges River, Indiapage 82

Highlights

10. Watch the sacred sin

1

6

2

7

3

8

4

9

5

10


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - multI-country

ITINERARY ATTB - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Chaotic streets, busy canals, tranquil temples, colorful markets and food that defies description - Bangkok truly is the essence of Asia. Day 3-5 Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) - Explore the incredible temples and palaces of the vast complex of Angkor, some temples still claimed by the jungle. Day 6-8 Luang Prabang - Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Day 9 Vang Vieng - Situated amongst limestone karsts, vast rice fields, and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water with a good book. Day 10 Vientiane - Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer - from its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples. Day 11 Kunming - The capital of Yunnan is a fascinating city, with its bustling flower markets and the colourful shopping precincts. Day 12-13 Lijiang - Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town, is a maze of streets and markets. This serene city is home to the Naxi minority people, who wear traditional blue clothing and have a fascinating and distinct culture. Day 14 Zhongdian (Shangari-la) - Prayer flags, monasteries and Tibetan script provide a spiritual magnetism to the peaceful town of Zhongdian. Cycle the surrounding countryside and wander the picturesque Old Quarter. Day 15-17 Lhasa - Dominated by the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the colourful and holy city of Lhasa lies almost 3700 meters above sea level. Explore the fascinating blend of ancient temples. It is a humbling sight to watch pilgrims circling the temple on their knees endlessly day and night. Day 18 Gyantse - The beautiful agricultural valley of Gyantse is a lovely place with a friendly and relaxed small-town feel. Day 19 Shigatse - Tibet’s second most important city and the seat of the Panchen Lama is one of its most spectacular and extensive monastic complexes. Day 20 Sakya - Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya’s great fortified monastery are painted a dark grey, typical to buildings in the area. Day 21 Rombuk and Everest Base Camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning. Day 22 Nyalam - Zhangmu - Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu. Day 23 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. Wander through the crowded markets and bazaars, cycle around the city ring road, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop restaurant. Day 24 Depart Kathmandu.

Included Highlights:� Bangkok Klong Tour, Entrance to Wat Po, Entrance to Angkor Wat, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Entrance and guide to Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang), Entrance to Lijiang Old town, Zhongdian monastery, Entrance to Jokhang temple, Potala Palace, Entrance to Sera Monastery

trAIl of the BuddhA

Take an inspirational journey from the glitz of Bangkok, the temples of Angkor Wat, through timeless Laos, on to the magic of Tibet and to fascinating India in a trip that will inspire you. Stare in awe at Everest, be moved by the pilgrimage in Lhasa, and wind up in Kathmandu - a cross roads of culture and religion.

24 Day • trIp code: aTTB • trIp Style: clASSIc

SERVICE LEVEL STANDARD PHYSICAL DEmAND 3�ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (22 nts), Simple monastery guesthouse (1 nt), TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, small river boat, flight. GRouP SIZE:� Min 4, Max 15 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 breakfasts. BuDGET:� Allow USD400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Land of the Golden Buddhas (ATGB)and Across the Roof of the World (ACRW).

2 0 0 9MAR 19 APR 11APR 16 MAY 9MAY 7 MAY 30MAY 21 JUN 13

JUN 4 JUN 27JUN 18 JUL 11JUL 2 JUL 25JUL 16 AUG 8JUL 30 AUG 22

AUG 13 SEP 5AUG 27 SEP 19SEP 10 OCT 3SEP 24 OCT 17OCT 8 OCT 31

OCT 22 NOV 142 0 1 0MAR 18 APR 10APR 1 APR 24APR 15 MAY 8

APR 29 MAY 22MAY 13 JUN 5MAY 27 JUN 19JUN 10 JUL 3JUN 24 JUL 17

JUL 8 JUL 31JUL 22 AUG 14AUG 5 AUG 28AUG 19 SEP 11SEP 2 SEP 25

start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish

Guaranteed Departures available. Please see website for dates and details.

24 Days Bangkok to kathmanDu • Departs select thursDays (mar-oct), thu-sat

*exclusions apply. please see website for details.

Sadhus, Nepal

N E PA L

Kathmandu

Kunming

Gyantse

Shigatse

Rombuk(Everest Base Camp)

Lhasa

ZhongdianLijiang

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

A F G H A N I S T A N

N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N

K A Z A K H S T A N UZBEKISTA

N

T U R K M E N I S T A N

T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

LuangPrabang

angVVieng

Siem ReapAngkor Wat

Vientiane

yunnAn And tIBet Adventure

lAnd of the Golden BuddhA

14 Day • trIp code: aCRW • trIp Style: clASSIc

11 Day • trIp code: aTGB • trIp Style: clASSIc





14 Days kunming to kathmanDu • DEPARTS SELECT SuN (mAR-NoV), SuN-SAT

11 Days Bangkok to Vientiane • DEPARTS SELECT THuR (mAR-0CT), THu-SuN

• For trip details & dates, see page 78


IndIvIduAl SeGmentS:

* exclusions apply. please see website for details.


N E PA L

Kathmandu Gyantse

Shigatse


Lhasa

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Bangkok

LuangPrabang

Vientiane

Kunming

Vang Vieng

ZhongdianLijiang

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 23multI-country - ASIA

The Himalayas

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

R U S S I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

C H I N A

N E P A L

PA K I S T A N

GilgitGilgit

Lahore Amritsar

Delhi

Peshawar

KashgarTashkurgan

Karimabad

Besham

Karimabad

Besham

Gyantse

Shigatse

Rongphu (Everest Base Camp)

Lhasa

Kathmandu

TurpanUrumqi

Xining

ITINERARY AHHL - Day 1 Arrive Delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. Day 2 Amritsar - Amritsar, literally meaning “holy pool of nectar”, is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Visit its numerous shrines and temples. Day 3-4 Lahore - Islamabad is home to the opulent Shah Faisal, the largest mosque in Asia. We stop here on the way from Lahore. Day 5-6 Peshawar/Khyber Pass - In the bustling markets of Peshawar, you can fi nd exotic spices and local delicacies. The Old City bazaar is a fascinating place to wander around. Make a day trip up the famous Khyber Pass on Afghanistan’s doorstep. Day 7 Besham - Drive past the confl uence of the three greatest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalaya, Karakorum, and Hindu Kush. Evidence of the ancient Silk Road route still exists in places as you wind your way along the dry fl ats and dizzying canyons of the Indus River. Day 8 Gilgit - Scenic drive along Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. Day 9-10 Karimabad/Passu - Clinging to the hills above the confl uence of the Hunza and Nagar Rivers sits the village of Karimabad, home to the impressive Baltit fort. Walk around this beautiful village, chat with the locals, sip tea and shop for unique handicrafts. Day 11 Tashkurgan - Follow the spectacular Karakoram Highway as it cuts through the mountains. Cross into China at the Khunjarab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world. For centuries this route has been used by the caravans journeying along the Silk Road. Enjoy the views as you pass nomadic Kazakh camps and encounter Tajiks tending their camels and yaks. Day 12-13 Kashgar - Join the locals for fresh dumplings and tea, watch the horse traders race their prospective animals and see the shepherds buying and selling their fl ocks at Kashgar’s Sunday market. Day 14-15 urumqi and Turpan - Visit museums, mummies, and the atmospheric ruins of these two cities. Spend an afternoon in the Grape Valley sampling the local raisins and wine. Day 16-17 Xining and Trans Tibetan Railway - Sitting on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, Xining has been a military garrison and trading centre since the 16th century. Day 18-21 Lhasa - Explore the Jokhang, Barkhor, Potala, the Sera Monastary and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city. Day 22 Gyantse - Built at the centre of the trade routes of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Gyantse is overlooked by an impressive fort. Its monastery is one of the fi nest in central Tibet. Day 23 Shigatse - Shigatse is the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most richly spectacular and extensive monastic complexes in Tibet. At the centre of town, the local bazaar buzzes with life. Day 24 Sakya - Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya’s great fortifi ed monastery are painted a dark grey, typical to buildings in the area. Day 25 Rhombuk and Everest Base Camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning. Day 26 Zhangmu - Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge straight into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu. Day 27 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars, and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, and street sellers. Day 28 Depart Kathmandu

Included Highlights:� Golden Temple Amritsar, Lahore City Tour plus entrances, Khyber Pass day tour, Entrance to Baltit Fort, Entrance to Khunjerab Pass Park, Kashgar Sunday Market, Guided Tour of Turpan site and entrances, Entrance to the Potala Palace, Entrance to the Jokhang Temple, Entrance to Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Entrance to Tashilunpho Monastery, Entrance to Sakya Monastery, Entrance to Qomolangma Nature Preserve

hImAlAyAn loop

Soak up the spirituality of remote monasteries, travel across high mountain passes, and bargain in colourful marketplaces on this adventure of a lifetime. Drive up the Karakorum Highway, journey along the Silk Road across the Tibetan Plateau, where you will come across remote villages, and head into the mountain kingdom of Nepal. No trip to this region would be complete without a visit to Mt Everest Base Camp which is truly an extraordinary experience!

28 Day • trIp code: aHHL • trIp Style: clASSIc


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (25 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Very basic monastaries with limited facilities (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Taxis, train, auto rickshaw, local bus, aircon bus, fl ight, 4WD GRouP SIZE:� Min 4, Max 14 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals are included. BuDGET:� Allow USD400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Spice Roads - Delhi to Kashgar (AHSR) and Mountain Roads - Urumqi to Kathmandu (ACMR)

2 0 0 9APR 28 MAY 25MAY 12 JUN 8JUN 2 JUN 29JUN 16 JUL 13

JUN 30 JUL 27JUL 14 AUG 10JUL 28 AUG 24AUG 25 SEP 21SEP 8 OCT 5

SEP 22 OCT 19OCT 6 NOV 2OCT 20 NOV 162 0 1 0APR 6 MAY 3

APR 20 MAY 17MAY 4 MAY 31MAY 18 JUN 14JUN 1 JUN 28JUN 15 JUL 12

JUN 29 JUL 26JUL 13 AUG 9JUL 27 AUG 23AUG 10 SEP 6AUG 24 SEP 20

SEP 7 OCT 4SEP 21 OCT 18OCT 5 NOV 1OCT 19 NOV 15



28 Days Delhi to kathmanDu • Departs select tuesDays (apr-oct), tue-mon


* Would you like to experience more of India?Why not add on Varanasi? See trip code TAHVNN

SRI LANKA


N E PA L

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

UZBEKISTAN

T U R K M E N I S TA N

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L

I N D I A N O C E A N

B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

Gu l f o f

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

Gyantse

Shigatse


Lhasa

Kathmandu

Turpan

Urumqi

Xining

mountAIn roAdS - urumQI to kAthmAndu15 Day • trIp code: aCMR • trIp Style: clASSIc



15 Days urumQi to kathmanDu • DEPARTS SELECT moNDAYS (mAY-NoV), moN-moN




M A L AY S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

R U S S I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

C H I N A

PA K I S T A N

I N D I A

Lahore Amritsar

Delhi

Peshawar

Gilgit

Kashgar

TashkurganKarimabad

Besham

Karimabad

Besham

Gilgit

SpIce roAdS - delhI to kAShGAr14 Day • trIp code: aHSR • trIp Style: clASSIc



14 Days Dehli to kashgar • Departs SELECT TuESDAYS (APR-oCT), TuE-moN





Trans Mongolian Railway

M A L AY S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

C H I N A

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

R U S S I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

M O N G O L I A

Ulaan BaatarBeijing

Irkutsk

Listvyanka

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

St. Petersburg

Ger Camp

ITINERARY ACTm - Day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. Day 2-3 Beijing - Vibrant Beijing offers the grandeur of the Forbidden City and impressive Tiananmen Square. Wander the mighty Great Wall and feast on tasty Beijing Duck. Day 4 Beijing moscow Railway - Begin our rail journey on the weekly Beijing Moscow train full of lively traders stocked up with goods to sell all over Russia. Day 5-7 ulaan Baatar & Terelj National Park (B,L,D) - Journey across the Gobi Desert in the lands once home to Genghis Khan and his marauding armies. Discover the charms of the Mongolian capital and the magic of staying in a ger in the peaceful forests of Terelj National Park. Day 8 - 9 Trans mongolian Railway - The vast grassy steppes seemingly roll on forever as our train heads north to the Russian border. We bid farewell to Mongolia as we approach Irkutsk, the ‘Pearl of Siberia’. Day 10 -11 Irkutsk

Included Highlights:� Guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing, Excursion to the Great Wall, Ulaan Baatar’s Winter Palace and Gandan Monastery, Terelj National Park excursion with local guide, Guided tour of Moscow’s Kremlin and Armoury, St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, Guided walking tour in St Petersburg, Guided tour of Ekaterinburg.

trAnS monGolIAn eXpreSS

Take an epic journey traversing a quarter of the globe and across three incredible nations. From the charm of imperial Beijing to the opulence of Moscow and St Petersburg, we journey through the vast grassy steppes of Mongolia, the seemingly impenetrable taiga forests of Siberia and the rolling Ural Mountains.

21 Day • trIp code: aCTM • trIp Style: clASSIc

and Lake Baikal (B,D) - The charismatic city of Irkutsk has an interesting mix of traditional, Communist and classic Siberian architecture. We’ll also spend a night at the quaint fi shing village of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. Day 12 - 13 Trans Siberian Railway - Travelling towards Europe, we cross the great Ob River at Novosibirsk and continue through Omsk to Ekaterinburg. Day 14 Ekaterinburg - A historic city fi lled with intrigue surrounding the murder of the Romanov family in 1918 is now lined with cafes and shops. Days 15 Trans ural Railway - Cross the Urals and travel over Siberia’s bridges as forests and suburbs fl icker past before arriving in the heart of Moscow. Days 16-18 moscow Explore Russia’s bygone era of the Tsars with a visit to the magnifi cent Kremlin and Armoury. Wander the streets of this evocative city taking in the famous Red Square and the extraordinary St Basil’s Cathedral. Days 19-20 St Petersburg - The opulent baroque architecture makes this city a visual masterpiece. Explore the treasures of the Hermitage, the summer palaces of Peterhof and Pushkin and witness the beauty of St Isaac Cathedral. Day 21 Depart St Petersburg


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (11 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Overnight trains (7 nts), Mongolian ger (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, private bus, taxi, metro, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 2 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD315 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� You will require a letter of invitation for Russia for this trip in order to get your Russian visa. You must complete the visa information form which will be automatically sent to you via email at time of booking.

2 0 0 9APR 5 APR 25MAY 10 MAY 30MAY 24 JUN 13JUN 7 JUN 27

JUN 28 JUL 18JUL 5 JUL 25JUL 26 AUG 15AUG 9 AUG 29AUG 23 SEP 12

SEP 6 SEP 26SEP 20 OCT 10OCT 11 OCT 31OCT 25 NOV 14NOV 8 NOV 28

NOV 22 DEC 12DEC 6 DEC 262 0 1 0MAR 28 APR 17APR 11 MAY 1


JUL 4 JUL 24JUL 18 AUG 7AUG 1 AUG 21AUG 15 SEP 4AUG 29 SEP 18



21 Days BeiJing to st petersBurg • Departs sun tiwce monthly (apr-Dec), sun-sat

*Would you like to see more of China?Why not add a Yantze River Cruise - see trip code TACYRC


Sand Dunes, Uzbekistan

Mosque, Uzbekistan

ITINERARY AuTT - Day 1 Arrive Tashkent - Arrive in Tashkent at any time. Day 2 Tashkent (B) - Tashkent is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back over 2000 years. Despite the new office buildings and modern metro system, Tashkent still retains its charm as a former Silk Road trading hub with its colourful Old Town and bustling markets. Day 3-4 Samarkand (2B) - Marvel at the madrassahs and mosques that form one of Central Asia’s most spectacular town centres as you wander about Registan Square. Day 5-6 Bukhara (2B) - Bukhara is teeming with historic and dramatic architectural landmarks. Get lost exploring the maze of alleyways, visit the ancient fortress, or watch the world go by from Labi Hauz as you enjoy a fresh kebab. Day 7-8 Khiva (2B) - Accross the vastness of the Kyzyl Kum Desert is the wonderfully preserved city of Kiva. This city is a living museum and there is plenty of time to go exploeing the mosques and the extrodinary Tash Khauli or ‘Stone palace’. Day 9-11 Karakum desert & Ashghbat (3B) - President Turkmenbashi has promised to take Turkmenistan in to the ‘golden age’. Ashghbat, the capital city, is a perfect example with a blend of over-expensive projects and old trading markets selling local crafts. Day 12 mashhad (B)- An important pilgrimage site for Shi’ite Muslims, Mashhad is the religious heart of Iran. The town has beautiful mosques and the tomb of Imam Reza, containing two gold covered chambers. Day 13-15 Shiraz (3B) - The heart of Persian culture; Shiraz is home to exquisite mausoleums housing the remains of some of country’s most important cultural and historic icons including nearby Persepolis. Day 16-18 Esfahan (3B) - Undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Iran, Esfahan is a delight to explore. Surrounding Imam, the massive town square, are beautiful bridges, blue-tiled mosques, colorful gardens, and a fascinating bazaar. Day 19 Abyaneh (B) - Beautiful, traditional mountain village where time seems to have stood still. Day 20 Kashan & Tehran (B) - Daring modern buildings stand beside ancient palaces and museums in the modern-day capital of Tehran. Day 21 Depart Tehran (B)

Included Highlights:� Tashkent walking tour, Tour of Registan, Bukhara walking tour, Khiva walking tour, Ashghbat tour, Mashhad city tour, Shiraz city tour, Persepolis & Nagst-e Rostrum tour, Esfahan city tour, Tehran Garden and Museum tour.

tAShkent to tehrAn

From Uzbekistan, through Turkmenistan to Iran, we follow the Silk Road, crossing regions where many great civilizations met, traded and did battle. See where many great emperors made history and left behind a lasting legacy. Explore mosques and visit colourful markets on this journey back in time.

21 Day • trIp code: aUTT • trIp Style: clASSIc


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (20 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Taxis, local bus, aircon bus, trains, flight. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� Daily Breakfast. BuDGET:� Allow USD320 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� You will require a letter of invitation for Uzbekistan for this trip in order to get your visas. G.A.P Adventures can also provide you with an authorization number for your Iran visa. Please inquire at tiem of booking. You must complete the visa information form which will be sent to you via email prior to your departure.

2 0 0 9APR 27 MAY 17MAY 11 MAY 31MAY 18 JUN 7JUN 8 JUN 28

JUN 22 JUL 12JUL 6 JUL 26JUL 13 AUG 2SEP 14 OCT 4SEP 28 OCT 18

OCT 5 OCT 25OCT 26 NOV 152 0 1 0MAR 29 APR 18APR 19 MAY 9

MAY 10 MAY 30MAY 24 JUN 13JUN 7 JUN 27JUN 28 JUL 18JUL 5 JUL 25

SEP 6 SEP 26SEP 20 OCT 10OCT 4 OCT 24OCT 18 NOV 7



21 Days tashkent to tehran • Departs mon twice monthly (apr-oct), mon-sun

M A L AY S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

C H I N A

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTANSYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

M O N G O L I A

Ulaan Baatar

Tashkent

SamarkandBukhara

Khiva

Ashghbat

ShirazPersepolis

Esfahan

Tehran

Mashhad

Irkutsk

Moscow

Ekaterinburg

St. Petersburg

Ger Camp

Abyaneh Kashan



The Great Wall, China

ITINERARY ACBB - Day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. Day 2-4 Beijing - Explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China. This vibrant city has some of China’s most famous and spectacular tourist sights. Day 5-6 Shanghai - Blending 21st century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Explore the busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop ‘til you drop in China’s hippest stores! Day 7-8 Xi’an - Marvel at the mysterious Terracotta Warriors and discover the wonders of this lively city. Day 9-10 Chengdu - The capital of the Sichuan Province, Chengdu is famous for its teahouses and delightful temples. Nearby is the Giant Panda Conservation Centre where you can see these beautiful creatures up close. Day 11 Jinghong - Lying beside the Mekong River, this city is the home to the Dai, an ethnic minority who maintain their unique culture through dance, drama and poetry. Day 12-13 China/Laos Border and Luang Nam Tha - With various day treks and boat trips available, Luang Nam Tha is a popular stop for

Included Highlights:� Entrance to Great Wall, Entrance to Forbidden City, Orientation walk of Xi’an, Entrance to Terracotta Warriors, Entrance to Shanghai Museum, Panda Breeding Center, Sichuan Opera, Luang Prabang Temples and Sights, Vietiane Royal Palace, Bangkok klong tour.

ASIA BAckroAdS - BeIJInG to BAnGkok

Visit the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, absorb the atmosphere in Sichuan teahouses, and see the amazing Terracotta Warriors in China. Travel into Laos, which is like taking a step back in time - where French colonial architecture sits among stunning rice fields and limestone karsts. Finish up this journey in dazzling Bangkok.

21 Day • trIp code: aCBB • trIp Style: clASSIc

travellers looking to explore the natural environs of Laos. Day 14-15 Luang Prabang - Once home to the Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses, and textile treasures. Day 16-17 Vang Vieng - Admire the fantastic limestone karst scenery, wander through the local markets, or take a walk along the river. The numerous caves and endless rice fi elds make this off-the-beaten-path destination so beautiful. Day 18-19 Vientiane - Quiet and relaxed, the capital city has a wealth of charms to offer- from its eclectic blend of French and Lao architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes, and quiet temples. Day 20 Bangkok - Chaotic streets and busy canals, tranquil temples, colourful markets, and food that defi es description. Bangkok truly is the essence of Thailand. Day 21 Depart Bangkok


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels, guesthouses (17 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, aircon bus, walking, fl ight, cyclo. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals are included. BuDGET:� Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9FEB 22 MAR 14MAR 8 MAR 28MAR 22 APR 11APR 5 APR 25APR 19 MAY 9MAY 3 MAY 23MAY 17 JUN 6

MAY 31 JUN 20JUN 14 JUL 4JUN 28 JUL 18JUL 12 AUG 1JUL 26 AUG 15AUG 9 AUG 29AUG 23 SEP 12SEP 6 SEP 26

SEP 20 OCT 10OCT 4 OCT 24OCT 18 NOV 7NOV 1 NOV 21NOV 15 DEC 5NOV 29 DEC 192 0 1 0FEB 28 MAR 20

MAR 14 APR 3MAR 28 APR 17APR 11 MAY 1APR 25 MAY 15MAY 9 MAY 29MAY 23 JUN 12JUN 6 JUN 26JUN 20 JUL 10

JUL 4 JUL 24JUL 18 AUG 7AUG 1 AUG 21AUG 15 SEP 4AUG 29 SEP 18SEP 12 OCT 2SEP 26 OCT 16OCT 10 OCT 30

OCT 24 NOV 13NOV 7 NOV 27NOV 21 DEC 11DEC 5 DEC 25



21 Days BeiJing to Bangkok • Departs sunDays twice monthly (FeB-noV), sun-sat

*Looking to add some beach time?Why not spend some time on beautiful Ko Samui? Check out trip code TATSBC


M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Chengdu

Jinhong Mengla

Luang Prabang Vang Vieng Vientiane

Bangkok

Xi'an

Shanghai


Yangshuo, China

ITINERARY ATBK - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Explore some of Bangkok’s wonders by tuk tuk, long tail boat or bicycle. A guided visit through Wat Po is a great introduction to Thai Buddhist culture. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite. With fantastic street food, a bustling night bazaar, hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside, you will never rest exploring this energetic city. Day 4 Chiang Kong - After a five hour bus ride, arrive in Chiang Khong and relax at our guesthouse which overlooks the Mekong River. Sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life. Day 5 mekong River - Begin the journey down the world’s 10th longest river by slow boat. The Mighty Mekong is always a hive of activity with fishing, trade and transport between the many villages that line its banks. Day 6-8 Luang Prabang - Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Day 9-10 Vang Vieng - Situated among limestone karsts, vast rice fields and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water. Day 11 Vientiane - Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer. From its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Day 12-14 Hanoi - Hanoi offers seemingly endless temptations in the shops and markets of the old quarter, relaxing lakeside coffee shops, fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Day 15-17 Halong Bay/Langson (2B,2L,2D) - Sail through limestone karst islands, explore huge caves and swim in secluded bays as you travel through Halong Bay on a traditional ‘junk’ boat. Day 18-19 Hua Shan - Hua Shan gives a glimpse of the Zhuang people as we stay near their traditional style wooden buildings and visit a huge cliff fresco, painted by their ancestors some 2,000 years ago. Day 20-21 Chengyang - Chengyang is home to the colourful Dong people. Their exquisite ‘wind and rain’ bridges enhance the natural landscape around this captivating village. Day 22-23 Longji Rice Terraces - Seemingly reaching above the clouds, Longji rice terraces are unforgettable. Home to remote minority villages, we are able to hike between them following tiny stone paths carved out by the local people. Day 24-26 Yangshuo - Yangshuo is the very image of rural China. We explore this dramatic landscape by bike, getting deep into the heart of the countryside. Day 27 Hong Kong - Energetic Hong Kong is the original city where East meets West. Cruise the harbor or take a trip to one of the smaller islands, shop for bargains in Stanley and admire the night skyline from Victoria Peak. Day 28

Included Highlights:� Klong trip in Bangkok, Entrance and guide at Wat Po entrance, Entrance and guide at Doi Suthep, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Entrance and guide to Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang), Kuang Si Falls trip, Entrance to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (seasonal), Water puppets in Hanoi, Hua Shan, Longjii Rice Terraces, Li River boat trip.

BAnGkok to honG konG Adventure

A memorable month-long introduction to a region that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Enjoy the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, the timelessness of Vientiane, the mountainous rice terraces of Southern China and colourful minority villages on this unforgettable journey.

28 Day • trIp code: aTBK • trIp Style: clASSIc

SERVICE LEVEL STANDARD PHYSICAL DEmAND 2�ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/guesthouses (24 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Boat (2 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, river boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, cyclo, plane, boat, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� All meals on Halong Bay boat BuDGET:� Allow USD190 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9MAR 23 APR 19APR 6 MAY 3APR 20 MAY 17MAY 4 MAY 31

MAY 18 JUN 14JUN 1 JUN 28JUN 15 JUL 12JUN 29 JUL 26JUL 13 AUG 9

JUL 27 AUG 23AUG 10 SEP 6AUG 24 SEP 20SEP 7 OCT 4SEP 21 OCT 18

OCT 5 NOV 1OCT 19 NOV 15NOV 2 NOV 292 0 1 0MAR 15 APR 11

MAR 29 APR 25APR 12 MAY 9APR 26 MAY 23MAY 10 JUN 6MAY 24 JUN 20

JUN 7 JUL 4JUN 21 JUL 18JUL 5 AUG 1JUL 19 AUG 15AUG 2 AUG 29



28 Days Bangkok to hong kong • Departs mon twice monthly (mar-noV), mon-sun


Bangkok

Hanoi Halong Bay

Hong KongYangshuo

Liuzhou

Hua Shan

Chiang Khong

Luang Prabang

Chiang Mai Vientiane

Vang Vieng

Longji

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Hanoi Halong Bay

Hong KongYangshuo

Chengyang

LongjiLiuzhou

Hua ShanLang Son

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

hAnoI to honG konG15 Day • trIp code: aVHK • trIp Style: clASSIc



15 Days hanoi to hong kong • Departs SuNDAYS TWICE moNTHLY (APR-NoV), SuN-SuN




I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

LAOS

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chiang Khong

LuangPrabangPakbeng

Vientiane

Vang Vieng

HanoiVIETNAM

T H A I L A N D

BAnGkok to hAnoI Adventure14 Day • trIp code: aTBH • trIp Style: clASSIc



14 Days Bangkok to hanoi • Departs SELECT moNDAYS moN-SuN





Hoi An, Vietnam

ITINERARY ATID - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B) - The Khmer Empire gave rise to one of the world’s finest artistic heritages. At the Empire’s peak in the 12th century, Khmer civilization culminated in the construction of the massive Angkor Wat, one of Asia’s most incredible sites - a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 4-5 Phnom Penh (2B) - Explore this pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 6-7 Sihanoukville - Relax on the white, sandy beaches of Cambodia’s southern coast. Take a boat trip out to one of the many uninhabited islands and enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink as the sun sets. Day 8 Chau Doc/ mekong Delta (B) - Cross into the Mekong Delta surrounded by a rich green river world of orchards and rice fields, floating markets and cottage industries. Day 9-10 Ho Chi minh City - Lose yourself in the maze of Saigon’s central market, where you’ll find everything from bolts of brocade to flanks of beef. Write a quick postcard in Saigon’s stately French colonial post office, one of many French-era buildings that add grace to this modern metropolis. Day 11-12 Nha Trang - Take a boat trip into the dazzling blue bay that surrounds this festive beach town, stopping to swim at a pristine beach. Day 13-14 Hoi An (2B) - Wander through the picturesque streets of this 16th century trading port, where the buildings bear traces of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French architectural styles. Day 15-16 Hue (B) - Reflect upon ancient Vietnamese culture while exploring the riverside garden tombs built for Vietnam’s last emperors, or take a motorbike trip out to the stunning countryside. Day 17 Halong Bay/Bai Chai Harbour (L) - Float through the strangely shaped islands that dot this vast, emerald bay in a traditional wooden junk. Spend a peaceful night on Cat Ba island. Day 18-19 Hanoi (2B) - Explore one of dozens of traditional guild streets that make up Hanoi’s thousand-year-old Old Quarter and join Buddhist monks for prayers in a serene lakeside pagoda. Day 20 Lac Sao - A long journey through scenic mountains takes us to the sleepy Laos town of Pak Xan. Explore the exotic local market and watch the locals playing a game of petanque as the sun sets. Day 21 Vientiane (B) - Quiet and relaxed, the capital city has a wealth of charms to offer- from its eclectic blend of French and Lao architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes, and quiet temples. Day 22 Vang Vieng - Admire the fantastic limestone karst scenery, wander through the local markets, or take a walk along the river. The numerous caves and endless rice fields make this off-the-beaten-path destination so delightful. Day 23-25 Luang Prabang (2B) - Once home to the Laotian kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses, and textile treasures. Day 26 mekong River/Pakbeng - Cruise up the Mekong River through magnificent jungle covered hills to Pakbeng, an ethnic minority town. Day 27 Chiang Kong - Continue by slow boat up the Mekong and cross in to Thailand at the Houeisay border. Chiang Kong is a small riverside town with cross border trading from nearby villages. Day 28 Chiang mai- A drive through the hills of Northern Thailand takes us to Chiang Mai where we’ll have the afternoon free before catching an overnight train. Day 29 Bangkok (B) - Bangkok truly is the essence of Thailand with its chaotic streets and busy canals, tranquil temples, colourful markets, and food that defies description. Day 30 Depart Bangkok

Included Highlights:� Mekong Delta, Beaches of Nha Trang, Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch, Phnom Penh walking tour, Slow boat down the Mekong

IndochInA dIScovery

Discover the heart and soul of Indochina. Cruise the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay, watch the sun set over the Mekong, and shop along the lovely boulevards of Hanoi. Encounter history, both ancient and modern, and witness the unbelievable splendour that is Angkor.

30 Day • trIp code: aTID • trIp Style: clASSIc

SERVICE LEVEL BASIC PHYSICAL DEmAND 2�

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (25 nts), Sleeper train (4 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, aircon bus, walking, tuk tuk, local boat, junk boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout mEALS INCLuDED:� 14 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch. BuDGET:� Allow USD450 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Roam Cambodia (ATRC), Roam Vietnam (AVRV) and Roam Laos tours (AVRL).

2 0 0 9JAN 3 FEB 1JAN 10 FEB 8JAN 17 FEB 15JAN 24 FEB 22

JAN 31 MAR 1FEB 7 MAR 8FEB 14 MAR 15FEB 28 MAR 29MAR 14 APR 12

MAR 28 APR 26APR 11 MAY 10APR 25 MAY 24MAY 9 JUN 7MAY 23 JUN 21

JUN 6 JUL 5JUN 20 JUL 19JUL 4 AUG 2JUL 18 AUG 16AUG 1 AUG 30

AUG 15 SEP 13AUG 29 SEP 27SEP 12 OCT 11SEP 26 OCT 25OCT 10 NOV 8

OCT 24 NOV 22NOV 7 DEC 6NOV 21 DEC 20NOV 28 DEC 27DEC 5 JAN 3



30 Days ex Bangkok • Departs saturDays weekly, sat-sun

Bangkok

Hanoi

Chiang Khong

Luang Prabang

Lac Sao Chiang

Mai Vientiane

Vang Vieng

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Hanoi

Hue

Hoi An

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Halong Bay I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A MC A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Phnom Penh

Chau Doc

Sihanoukville Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Angkor WatSiem Reap

roAm lAoS

roAm vIetnAm

roAm cAmBodIA

12 Day • trIp code: aVRL • trIp Style: clASSIc

12 Day • trIp code: aVRV • trIp Style: clASSIc

10 Day • trIp code: aTRC • trIp Style: clASSIc







12 Days hanoi to Bangkok • Departs SELECT WEDNESDAYS, WED-SuN

12 Days ho chi minh city to hanoi • DEPARTS SELECT SuNDAYS, SuN-THu

10 Days Bangkok to ho chi minh city • DEPARTS SELECT SATuRDAYS, SAT-moN









I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Angkor WatSiem Reap

BangkokPhnom Penh

Chau Doc

Sihanoukville

Hanoi

ChiangKhong

LuangPrabang

Hue

Hoi An

Nha Trang


LacSao

Halong Bay

ChiangMai Vientiane

Vang Vieng

AVRL: ROAM LAOS

ATRC: ROAM CAMBODIA

AVRV: ROAM VIETNAM


Elephant Trek, Thailand

ITINERARY ATIE - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok (B) - Chaotic streets and busy canals, tranquil temples, colourful markets and food that defies description - Bangkok truly is the essence of Asia. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite - try the fantastic street food, shop at the night bazaar or visit the hundreds of temples among the beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 4 Chiang Kong - This small riverside town is alive with cross border traders from surrounding villages. Day 5 mekong River - Cross into Laos at the Houeisay border crossing, then cruise downriver to Pak Beng, through magnificent jungle-covered hills. Day 6-8 Luang Prabang (2B) - Once home to Laotian kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Day 9-10 Vang Vieng - With limestone karsts, the sleepy Nam Song river and rice paddies as far as the eye can see, Vang Vieng is the perfect town to go for a bike ride or relax by the riverfront. Day 11 Vientiane (B) - Quiet and relaxed, the capital city has a wealth of charms to offer with an eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture, uncluttered streets, riverside restaurants and quiet temples. Day 12-13 Hanoi (2B) - The shops and markets of the old quarter offer endless temptations where coffee shops continually refill your cup, the museums offer an endless array of history and the local markets serve unbeatable food. Day 14-15 Halong Bay (2B,L,D) - Dramatic limestone karst formations rise from the crystal waters of the South China Sea; according to legend they were formed as a dragon descended to the sea. Day 16 Hue - Once the Imperial capital, Hue is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Vietnam - scattered with the tombs of emperors and timeless temples. Day 17-19 Hoi An (3B) - Celebrate Hoi An’s trading heritage with fabulous markets, galleries, tailor shops, craft stalls and restaurants. The city is rich in historic architecture and has its own distinctive cuisine. Day 20-21 Ho Chi minh City - Begun as a Khmer trading and fishing port, today the “Pearl of the Orient” is Vietnam’s foremost commercial and industrial centre. It is an enthralling hub of activity, where the possibilites for eating, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment are virtually limitless. Day 22 mekong Delta Day Trip - The lush green serpentine waterways of the Mekong Delta are a thriving centre of cottage industries, floating markets and fertile orchards. Day 23-24 Phnom Penh (2B) - Stroll through the pleasant riverside cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Phnom Penh is steeped in the history of the Khmer Rouge, including the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison. Day 25-27 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B) - Bike through one of Asia’s most incredible sites. Angkor is a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 28 Bangkok (B) - Travel from countryside to expressway to arrive in Bangkok in time to head out for drinks and a farewell meal. Day 29 Depart Bangkok

Included Highlights:� Bangkok Klong trip, Entrance and guide to Wat Po, Entrance to Doi Suthep, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Guided tour Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang), Kuang Si Falls trek (half day), Water puppets performance, Entrance to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (seasonal), Halong Bay caves entrance, Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner, Entrance to Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi Tunnels entrance, Mekong Delta Day Trip, Phnom Penh cyclo tour, Entry and guide to Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek(Killing Fields), Entry and guide to Angkor Wat complex

IndochInA encompASSed

Discover the heart and soul and the diverse delights of Indochina - from the whirlwind of activity that is Bangkok to the gentle culture and smiling people of Laos. Take in the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay by boat, watch the sun setting over the mighty Mekong River and shop along the lovely boulevards of Hanoi.

29 Day • trIp code: aTIE • trIp Style: clASSIc


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/guesthouses (25 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts), Junk Boat (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, songthaew, tuk-tuk, boat, flight. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 16 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner. BuDGET:� Allow USD 415 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Bangkok to Hanoi (ATBH), Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Saigon (AVCH) and Cambodia Experience Westbound tour (AVCW).

29 Days ex Bangkok • Departs eVery mon & select sat, mon-mon, sat-sat

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Phnom Penh

Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City(Saigon)

Tonle Sap Lake

Siem Reap Angkor Wat

Mekong Delta

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

V I E T N A M

Hanoi Halong Bay

Hue Hoi An

Ho ChiMinh City(Saigon)

Cu Chi Tunnels

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

LAOS

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chiang Khong

LuangPrabangPakbeng

Vientiane

Vang Vieng

HanoiVIETNAM

T H A I L A N D

cAmBodIA eXperIence

clASSIc vIetnAm hAnoI to SAIGon

BAnGkok to hAnoI Adventure

9 Day • trIp code: aVCW • trIp Style: clASSIc

10 Day • trIp code: aVCH • trIp Style: clASSIc

14 Day • trIp code: aTBH • trIp Style: clASSIc







9 Days ho chi minh city to Bangkok • DEPARTS SuNDAYS WEEKLY, SuN-moN

10 Days hanoi to ho chi minh city • Departs EVERY SATuRDAY YEAR RouND, SAT-moN

14 Days Bangkok to hanoi • Departs SELECT moNDAYS moN-SuN








I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Phnom Penh

Mekong Delta

Hanoi

ChiangKhong

LuangPrabang

VangVieng

Hue

Hoi An

Ho ChiMinh City (Saigon)

Halong Bay

ChiangMai

Siem Reap

Vientiane

ATBH: BANGKOK TO HANOI ADVENTURE

AVCH: CLASSIC VIETNAM HANOI TO SAIGON

AVCW: CAMBODIA EXPERIENCE WESTBOUND


All departures are guaranteed. Please see website for details.


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - vIetnAm

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels/Guesthouse (8 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader thoughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch. BuDGET:� Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVRV - Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi minh City - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at any time. Day 2 Ho Chi minh City (B) - Lose yourself in the maze of Ho Chi Minh City’s central market, where you’ll find everything from bolts of brocade to flanks of beef. Write a quick postcard in the stately French colonial post office, one of many French-era buildings that add grace to this modern metropolis. Day 3-4 Nha Trang (B) - Take a boat trip into the dazzling blue bay that surrounds this festive beach town, stopping to swim at a pristine beach. Day 5-6 Hoi An - Wander through the picturesque streets of this 16th century trading port, where the buildings bear traces of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French architectural styles. Day 7-8 Hue (2B) - Reflect upon ancient Vietnamese culture while exploring in the riverside garden tombs built for Vietnam’s last emperors, or take a motorbike trip out to the stunning countryside. Day 9 Halong Bay/Bai Chai Harbour(L) - Float through the strangely shaped islands that dot this vast, emerald bay in a traditional wooden junk. Spend a peaceful night on Cat Ba island. Day 10-11 Hanoi (2B) - Explore one of dozens of traditional guild streets that make up Hanoi’s thousand-year-old Old Quarter and join Buddhist monks for prayers in a serene lakeside pagoda. Day 12 Depart Hanoi

roAm vIetnAm SAIGon to hAnoI

Providing a variety of colour and beauty, Vietnam will tantalize all of your senses. From the chaotic Saigon to charming Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, this trip has something for everyone.

12 Day • trIp code: aVRV • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Halong Bay boat trip with lunchHanoi

Hue

Hoi An

Nha Trang


Halong Bay I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A


12 Days ho chi minh city to hanoi • Departs select sunDays, sun-thu


Hanoi, Vietnam

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (7 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Junk Boat (1 nt) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, cyclo, plane. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 1 Dinner. BuDGET:� Allow USD150 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVCH - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2-3 Halong Bay (2B,L,D) - Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves. Day 4 Hue - Stroll past ponds covered with deep pink lotus buds, mossy statues and red lacquered pavilions. Explore the palaces and garden tombs of Vietnam’s last imperial court. Sit back to watch bronze-casters go about their work, creating Buddha statues and ceremonial wares for Hue’s many sacred shrines. Day 5-7 Hoi An (3B) - Wander through the colourful colonial homes, tucked in between wooden shop-houses, pagodas and Chinese communal houses. Try your hand creating one of the jewel-toned silk lanterns that turn the streets into a light show after dark. Day 8-9 Ho Chi minh City (2B) - Discover the infectious energy of Vietnam’s biggest city, with its open-air music concerts, blinking neon lights and overflowing markets. Day 10 Depart Ho Chi minh City

Included Highlights:� Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip with seafood lunch and dinner, Entrance to Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi tunnels

clASSIc vIetnAm hAnoI to SAIGon

The kaleidoscope of colour and beauty you encounter will tantalize all the senses as you travel the length of Vietnam. From the modern day life of Saigon to the charms of Hoi An, the atmospheric imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the natural beauty of Halong Bay, you will enjoy something different every single day of this trip.

10 Day • trIp code: aVCH • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

V I E T N A M

Hanoi Halong Bay

Hue Hoi An

Ho ChiMinh City(Saigon)

Cu Chi Tunnels


10 Days hanoi to ho chi minh city • Departs eVery saturDay, sat-mon


*exclusions apply. please see website for details. *exclusions apply. please see website for details.

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 31vIetnAm - ASIA

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (9 nts), Sleeper train (3 nt), Junk boat (1 nt), Basic family homestay (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, cyclo, flight. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVBV - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2 Hanoi - The vibrant Old Quarter, historic museums, beautiful lakes, and fantastic food make Vietnam’s capital a delight to explore. Day 3-5 Sapa (B,L,D) - Take in the spectacular scenery of the steep rice terraces and lush green hills as you walk through the villages of Vietnam’s colourful hilltribe villages. Day 6-7 Halong Bay (B,L,D) - Sail through limestone karst islands, explore huge caves, and swim in secluded bays as you travel through Halong Bay on a traditional ‘junk’ boat. Day 8 Hue - Stroll past ponds covered with deep pink lotus buds, mossy statues and red lacquered pavilions in the palaces and garden tombs of Vietnam’s last imperial court. Sit back to watch bronze-casters go about their work, fashioning Buddha statues and ceremonial wares for Hue’s many sacred shrines. Day 9-11 Hoi An - Delight in the bright blues, pinks and yellows of this former trading port’s French colonial homes, tucked in between wooden shop-houses, pagodas and Chinese communal houses. Try your hand at fashioning one of the jewel-toned silk lanterns that turn the streets into a light show after dark. Day 12 Ho Chi minh City - Discover the infectious energy of Vietnam’s biggest city, with its open-air music concerts, blinking neon lights and overflowing markets. Day 13 mekong Delta - Travel to where the mighty Mekong River splits into a labyrinth of channels and islands and the only transportation is by boat. The Mekong Delta is full of floating markets and friendly people. Day 14 Ho Chi minh City - Return to Ho Chi Minh City for some last minute shopping and sightseeing. Day 15 Depart Ho Chi minh City

BeSt of vIetnAm

Savour Vietnam’s scenic, historical, cultural and culinary delights as you travel the length of the country on this fun filled 2-week trip. There is so much to discover - from the chaos of Saigon to the charms of Hoi An, the atmospheric imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

15 Day • trIp code: aVBV • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Entrance to Halong Bay, Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner, Entrance to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (seasonal), Water puppet show, Sapa excursion to hilltribe villages, Guide and entrance to Imperial Citadel and tomb, Mekong Delta Homestay

Hanoi Halong Bay

Sapa

Hue Hoi An

Mekong Delta


I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

V I E T N A M


15 Days hanoi to ho chi minh city • Departs sunDays twice monthly, sun-sun


Market, Sapa, Vietnam


If you haven’t found what you’re looking for in the pages of this brochure, we can help you to create a custom tour. We can cater to individuals or groups of up to 200 people.

• School group seeking educational tours

• Photography clubs

• Birders

• Museum enthusiasts

• Language clubs

you can dream it, we can take you there! Contact [email protected] for details.

Create your

own tour!

2 0 0 9JAN 04 JAN 18JAN 18 FEB 01FEB 01 FEB 15FEB 15 MAR 01

MAR 01 MAR 15MAR 15 MAR 29MAR 29 APR 12APR 12 APR 26APR 26 MAY 10


JUL 19 AUG 02AUG 02 AUG 16AUG 16 AUG 30AUG 30 SEP 13SEP 13 SEP 27

SEP 27 OCT 11OCT 11 OCT 25OCT 25 NOV 08NOV 08 NOV 22NOV 22 DEC 06

DEC 06 DEC 20DEC 20 JAN 03JAN 03 JAN 17DEC 20 JAN 03JAN 03 JAN 17



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - vIetnAm, cAmBodIA

The Bayon, Cambodia

Cycyling in Vietnam

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (8 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, aircon bus, walking, fl ight, cyclo. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts. BuDGET:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVCW - Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi minh City - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh at anytime. Day 2 mekong Delta Day Trip (B) - The lush green serpentine waterways of the Mekong Delta are a thriving centre of cottage industries, fl oating markets and fertile orchards. Day 3-4 Phnom Penh (2B) - Explore this pleasant riverside city of cafes, tree-lined streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 5-7 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B) - The Khmer Empire gave rise to one of the world’s fi nest artistic heritages. At the Empire’s peak in the 12th century Khmer civilisation culminated in the construction of the massive Angkor Wat, one of Asia’s most incredible sites - a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 8 Bangkok (B) - From countryside to expressway, arrive in Bangkok in time to head out for drinks and a farewell meal. Day 9 Depart Bangkok

cAmBodIA eXperIence

Cambodia’s scenic beauty coupled with its tumultuous history make this country truly fascinating. Come face to face with the horrific reality of the Killing Fields and marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor. Explore the busy waterways of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and brave the frenetic streets of Saigon to give you an insight to this incredible corner of Indochina.

9 Day • trIp code: aVCW • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Entrance and guide to Angkor Wat complex, Entrance and guide to Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), Phnom Penh Cyclo tour, Mekong Delta day trip

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Phnom Penh

Bangkok


Tonle Sap Lake

Siem Reap Angkor Wat

Mekong Delta

9 Days ho chi minh city to Bangkok • Departs sunDays weekly, sun-mon

SERVICE LEVEL STANDARD PHYSICAL DEmAND 2� ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotel (13 nts), sleeper train (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Bicycle, Bus, sleeper train. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included. BuDGET:� Allow USD195 for meals not included. For other expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� 8 days cycling. Distance cycled approx 567km. Bicycle is not included. If you require a bike rental please inquire at time of booking.

ITINERARY AVCV - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2 Hanoi - In the morning take a walk around some of the city’s famous sites with the afternoon free to explore on your own. Day 3 Hue - Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam on two wheels Day 4-6 Hoi An - Cycling up and over the famous Hai Van Pass, the geographic north-south divider of Vietnam, is a great challenge to take you to picturesque Hoi An where you have a day to enjoy this historic town. Day 7-12 Cycling to Nha Trang - Taking the coastal route, you’ll pass beautiful beaches, friendly villages and thousands of waving children. In Nha Trang, relax, enjoy the crystal clear water and celebrate the end of the cycling journey. Day 13-14 Ho Chi minh City - After a day of travelling arrive in Saigon, now know as Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll have a whole day to explore Vietnam’s biggest and busiest city. Day 15 Depart Ho Chi minh City

Included Highlights:� Visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (seasonal), Water puppet show, Entrance to Emperor’s tomb and Citadel, Escorted cycle trip

cycle vIetnAm

One of Asia’s classic cycling journeys, riding from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. With thousands of kilometres of stunning beaches and beautiful coastal roads as well as some of the freshest seafood around, this trip is an indulgent experience. We are never far from a beach and stay in comfortable hotels.

15 Day • trIp code: aVCV • trIp Style: ActIve

Hue

Hoi An

Hanoi

Tam Ky Quang Ngai Quy Ngon Tuy Hoa Nha Trang


I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

2 0 0 9JAN 4 JAN 18FEB 1 FEB 15MAR 1 MAR 15

APR 5 APR 19SEP 6 SEP 20OCT 4 OCT 18NOV 1 NOV 15

DEC 6 DEC 202 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 31 FEB 14

FEB 28 MAR 14MAR 28 APR 11APR 25 MAY 9SEP 5 SEP 19

OCT 3 OCT 17NOV 7 NOV 21DEC 5 DEC 19



15 Days hanoi to ho chi minh city • Departs sunDays monthly (sep-apr), sun-sun




*Looking for something a little longer?Check out trip code AVBV • Visit our website for details


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 33cAmBodIA - ASIA

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels (7 nts), simple beach bungalows (2 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, aircon bus, walking GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 breakfasts. BuDGET:� Allow USD140 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AKDC - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Battambang - Travel overland to this French colonial riverside town. Day 3-5 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B) - The Khmer Empire gave rise to one of the world’s finest artistic heritages. At the Empire’s peak in the 12th century, Khmer civilization culminated in the construction of the massive Angkor Wat, one of Asia’s most incredible sites - a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 6 Phnom Penh (B) - We witness the dark side of Cambodian history at Choeng Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison which serve as reminders of its tragic recent past. Day 7-8 Sihanoukville - Relax on the white, sandy beaches of Cambodia’s southern coast. Take a boat trip out to one of the nearby uninhabited islands and enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink as the sun sets. Day 9-10 Kampot & Bokor - Relax and enjoy a stunning setting, French architectural legacy and Cambodia’s first National park. Day 11 Phnom Penh (B) - Return to Cambodia’s busy capital. Phnom Penh is a pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets, active temples and thriving markets. Day 12 Depart Phnom Penh

roAm cAmBodIA

Cambodia’s scenic beauty and the diverse legacies of its history make this country truly fascinating. Marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor and face the horrific reality of the Killing Fields, relax on white sandy beaches, wander the busy waterways of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and brave Saigon’s jam packed streets to discover an incredible corner of Indochina.

10 Day • trIp code: aTRC • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh walking tour

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A MC A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Phnom Penh

Chau Doc

SihanoukvilleHo Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Angkor WatSiem Reap

2 0 0 9JAN 3 JAN 12JAN 10 JAN 19JAN 17 JAN 26JAN 24 FEB 2JAN 31 FEB 9FEB 7 FEB 16FEB 14 FEB 23

FEB 28 MAR 9MAR 14 MAR 23MAR 28 APR 6APR 11 APR 20APR 25 MAY 4MAY 9 MAY 18MAY 23 JUN 1JUN 6 JUN 15

JUN 20 JUN 29JUL 4 JUL 13JUL 18 JUL 27AUG 1 AUG 10AUG 15 AUG 24AUG 29 SEP 7SEP 12 SEP 21SEP 26 OCT 5

OCT 10 OCT 19OCT 24 NOV 2NOV 7 NOV 16NOV 21 NOV 30NOV 28 DEC 7DEC 5 DEC 14DEC 12 DEC 21DEC 19 DEC 28

DEC 26 JAN 42 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 11JAN 9 JAN 18JAN 16 JAN 25JAN 23 FEB 1JAN 30 FEB 8FEB 6 FEB 15

FEB 13 FEB 22FEB 27 MAR 8MAR 13 MAR 22MAR 27 APR 5APR 10 APR 19APR 24 MAY 3MAY 8 MAY 17MAY 22 MAY 31



10 Days Bangkok to ho chi minh city • Departs select saturDays, sat-mon


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guest houses (11 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Private bus, Public bus, flight GRouP SIZE:� Max 15. Average 10. GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides mEALS INCLuDED:� 4 Breakfasts BuDGET:� Allow USD160 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY ATRC - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B) - Explore the incredible temples and palaces of the vast complex of Angkor, where some temples are still claimed by the jungle. Day 4-5 Phnom Penh (2B) - Explore this pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 6-7 Sihanoukville - Enjoy Sihanoukville’s beautiful beaches, clear waters, tiny islands, fantastic seafood and active night life. Day 8 Chau Doc/ mekong Delta (B) - Cross in to the Mekong Delta surrounded by a rich green river world of orchards and rice fields, floating markets and cottage industries. Day 9 Ho Chi minh City (B) - Once a Khmer trading and fishing port, today the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ is Vietnam’s foremost commercial and industrial centre - it is an enthralling hub of activity. The possibilites for eating, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment are virtually limitless. Day 10 Depart Ho Chi minh City

Included Highlights:� Entrance and guide to Angkor Complex, Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung EK, Phnom Penh Cyclo tour

dIScover cAmBodIA

Cambodia has beautiful beaches, relaxed riverside towns full of markets and cafes and historic sites. This 12-day trip will give you an insight into this fascinating country.

12 Day • trIp code: aKDC • trIp Style: clASSIcI N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

C A M B O D I ABangkokPhnom Penh

KampotSihanoukville

Angkor WatSiem ReapBattambang

2 0 0 9JAN 19 JAN 30FEB 2 FEB 13FEB 16 FEB 27MAR 2 MAR 13MAR 16 MAR 27MAR 30 APR 10APR 13 APR 24

APR 27 MAY 8MAY 11 MAY 22MAY 25 JUN 5JUN 8 JUN 19JUN 22 JUL 3JUL 6 JUL 17JUL 20 JUL 31AUG 3 AUG 14

AUG 17 AUG 28AUG 31 SEP 11SEP 14 SEP 25SEP 28 OCT 9OCT 12 OCT 23OCT 26 NOV 6NOV 9 NOV 20NOV 23 DEC 4

DEC 7 DEC 18DEC 21 JAN 12 0 1 0JAN 4 JAN 15JAN 18 JAN 29FEB 1 FEB 12FEB 15 FEB 26MAR 1 MAR 12

MAR 15 MAR 26MAR 29 APR 9APR 12 APR 23APR 26 MAY 7MAY 10 MAY 21MAY 24 JUN 4JUN 7 JUN 18JUN 21 JUL 2

JUL 5 JUL 16JUL 19 JUL 30AUG 2 AUG 13AUG 16 AUG 27AUG 30 SEP 10SEP 13 SEP 24SEP 27 OCT 8OCT 11 OCT 22



12 Days Bangkok to phnom penh • Departs monDays twice monthly, mon-Fri





Halong Bay, Vietnam

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels (14 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt),Junk boat (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, fl ight, cyclo, boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner. BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Saigon (AVCH) and Cambodia Experience Westbound tour (AVCW).

ITINERARY AVEV - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2-3 Halong Bay (2B,1L,1D) - Dramatic limestone karst formations rise from crystal waters - according to legend, they were formed as a dragon descended to the sea. Day 4 Hue - Once the Imperial capital, Hue is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Vietnam, scattered with the tombs of emperors and timeless temples. Day 5-7 Hoi An (3B) - Celebrate the rich trading heritage of Hoi An with its fabulous markets, galleries, tailor shops, craft stalls and restaurants. Day 8-9 Ho Chi minh City (2B) - Begun as a Khmer trading and fi shing port, today the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ is Vietnam’s foremost commercial and industrial centre. Discover the hidden eating, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment secrets in this world-class city. Day 10 mekong Delta Day Trip - The lush green serpentine waterways of the Mekong Delta are a thriving center of cottage industries, fl oating markets and fertile orchards. Day 11-12 Phnom Penh (2B) - Visit this pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 13-15 Siem Reap (2B) - Home to one of Asia’s most incredible site, Angkor is a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 16 Bangkok (B) - From countryside to expressway, arrive in Bangkok and spend the night having a fi nal drink and a farewell meal with your new-found friends. Day 17 Depart Bangkok

eSSentIAl vIetnAm And cAmBodIA

Discover the heart and soul of Indochina by cruising the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay, watching sunsets over the Mekong River and shopping along the lovely boulevards of Hanoi. Get up close with history, in Vietnam’s imperial capital, be moved by Cambodia’s Killing Fields and experience the unbelievable splendour that is Angkor.

17 Day • trIp code: aVEV • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip and with lunch and seafood dinner, Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta day trip, Phnom Penh cyclo tour, Entrance to Tuol Sleng and ‘Killing Fields’, Entrance and guide to Angkor Wat temple complex

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Phnom PenhBangkok

Siem Reap


Hanoi Halong Bay

Hue

Hoi An

Angkor Wat

T H A I L A N D

V I E T N A M

CAMBODIA

Mekong Delta

17 Days hanoi to Bangkok • Departs saturDays weekly, sat-mon


ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels (16 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, aircon bus, walking, cyclo, junk boat, local boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch. BuDGET:� Allow USD285 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Looking for a few more inclusions? Check out trip code AVEV

ITINERARY ATCV - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat - The Khmer Empire gave rise to one of the world’s fi nest artistic heritages. At the Empire’s peak in the 12th century, Khmer civilization culminated in the construction of the massive Angkor Wat, one of Asia’s most incredible sites. Day 4-5 Phnom Penh (2B) - Explore this pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 6-7 Sihanoukville - Relax on the white, sandy beaches of Cambodia’s southern coast. Take a boat trip out to one of the many uninhabited islands. Day 8 mekong Delta - Cross in to the Mekong Delta surrounded by a rich green river world of orchards and rice fi elds, fl oating markets and cottage industries. Day 9-10 Ho Chi minh City (2B) - Lose yourself in the maze of Saigon’s central market, where you’ll fi nd everything from bolts of brocade to fl anks of beef. Write a quick postcard in Saigon’s stately French colonial post offi ce, one of many French-era buildings that add grace to this modern metropolis. Day 11-12 Nha Trang - Take a boat trip into the dazzling blue bay that surrounds this festive beach town, stopping to swim at a pristine beach. Day 13-14 Hoi An (B) - Wander through the picturesque streets of this 16th century trading port, where the buildings bear traces of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French architectural styles. Day 15-16 Hue (B) - Refl ect upon ancient Vietnamese culture while exploring in the riverside garden tombs built for Vietnam’s last emperors, or take a motorbike trip out to the stunning countryside. Day 17 Halong Bay/Bai Chay (L) - Float through the strangely shaped islands that dot this vast, emerald bay in a traditional wooden junk boat. Spend the night in the nearby harbour town of Bai Chay Day 18-19 Hanoi - Explore one of dozens of traditional guild streets that make up Hanoi’s thousand-year-old Old Quarter and join Buddhist monks for prayers in a serene lakeside pagoda. Day 20 Depart Hanoi

Included Highlights:� Mekong Delta, Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch, Phnom Penh walking tour

roAm cAmBodIA And vIetnAm

The scenic beauty coupled with the diverse legacies of their past make Cambodia and Vietnam truly fascinating. Marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor, face the horrific reality of the Killing Fields, relax on white sandy beaches, brave Saigon and Hanoi’s chaotic streets, soak in the relaxed pace of life in Hoi An and Hue, and discover an incredible corner of Indochina that you will never forget.

20 Day • trIp code: aTCV • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Angkor Wat

BangkokPhnom Penh

Siem Reap

Chau Doc Sihanoukville

Hanoi

Hue

Hoi An

Nha Trang


Halong Bay

2 0 0 9JAN 3 JAN 22JAN 10 JAN 29JAN 17 FEB 5JAN 24 FEB 12

JAN 31 FEB 19FEB 7 FEB 26FEB 14 MAR 5FEB 28 MAR 19MAR 14 APR 2

MAR 28 APR 16APR 11 APR 30APR 25 MAY 14MAY 9 MAY 28MAY 23 JUN 11

JUN 6 JUN 25JUN 20 JUL 9JUL 4 JUL 23JUL 18 AUG 6AUG 1 AUG 20

AUG 15 SEP 3AUG 29 SEP 17SEP 12 OCT 1SEP 26 OCT 15OCT 10 OCT 29

OCT 24 NOV 12NOV 7 NOV 26NOV 21 DEC 10NOV 28 DEC 17DEC 5 DEC 24



20 Days Bangkok to hanoi • Depart select saturDays, sat-thu




* Looking for a little more comfort?Check out trip code AVTN • Visit our website for details


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 35vIetnAm, cAmBodIA - ASIA

ACCommoDATIoN:� Comfort hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Junk boat (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, flight, cyclo, boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 14 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner BuDGET:� Allow USD275 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVTN - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2 Hanoi (B) - Hanoi is one of the most charming of Indochina’s cities. Become immersed in a whirlwind of activity and colour. The shops and markets of the old quarter offer endless temptations while you can escape it all in one of the coffee shops surrounding the city’s lakes. Enjoy fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Day 3-4 Halong Bay (2B,L,D) - Dramatic limestone karst formations rise from crystal waters. Relax and enjoy fantastic seafood as you cruise through the mystical karsts and lagoons. Day 5 Hue - Once the Imperial capital and centre of the Citadel and Forbidden City complex, Hue is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Vietnam - scattered with the tombs of emperors and countless temples. Day 6-7 Hoi An (2B) - Celebrate the rich trading heritage of Hoi An with its fabulous markets, galleries, tailor shops, craft stalls and restaurants. Day 8-9 Ho Chi minh City (2B) - Once a Khmer trading and fishing port, today the “Pearl of the Orient” is Vietnam’s foremost commercial and industrial centre. Much of the city life takes place on the streets which are lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. Day 10-12 Siem Reap (2B) - Home to one of Asia’s most incredible sites, Angkor is a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 13 -14 Bangkok (2B,D) - A short flight takes us to the bustling Thai capital. Temples, markets, great food, and the lovely Chao Phraya river combine to make Bangkok a traveller’s paradise. Day 15 Depart Bangkok (B)

tImeleSS IndochInA

Take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, watch the sunset on the beach at Hoi An and stroll and shop along the boulevards of Saigon. Marvel at the splendour that is Angkor, and you will know that you have discovered the true heart and soul of Indochina.

15 Day • trIp code: aVTN • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Cyclo tour of Hanoi, entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip and lunch and seafood dinner, Imperial Citadel and tomb, Perfume River boat trip, Saigon cyclo tour, guided Cu Chi tunnels tour, Entrance and guide to Angkor Wat temple complex, Chaopraya dinner cruise, Arrival transfer and daily breakfast.

Halong Bay

Hue

Hoi An

Hanoi

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

V I E T N A M

CAMBODIA

T H A I L A N D

2 0 0 9JAN 26 FEB 9FEB 23 MAR 9MAR 23 APR 6APR 19 MAY 3




DEC 6 DEC 20DEC 20 JAN 32 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 17 JAN 31

JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 14 FEB 28FEB 28 MAR 14MAR 14 MAR 28MAR 28 APR 11



15 Days hanoi to Bangkok • Departs select sunDays, sun-sun

SERVICE LEVEL ComfoRT PHYSICAL DEmAND 1�

Cyclos, Ho Chi Minh City


Travel Solo

But Never Alone

Embarking on a trip by yourself doesn’t mean you have to be alone ... unless you want to be.

You have 2 options:

• No Single Supplement - On most of our trips, you can be paired with a member of the same sex to share a room.

•‘my own Room’ option - Look for the ‘My Own Room’ supplement on the trip pages. If the price appears, you can choose to pay guarantee yourself a single room.

Go online or talk to your travel agent for more details.


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - vIetnAm, cAmBodIA

CHECK OUT THESE INDEPENDENT TRIPS...

hAnoI & hAlonG BAy eXperIence4 Day • trIp code: TaVHHN • trIp Style: Independent


A city of Parisian charm and grace with an Asian edge, Hanoi is an enthralling blend of East and West and a rising star in Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s capital has much to explore; museums, parks, history and culture abound. Don’t forget to check out the local cuisine and enjoy the nightlife in this busy city. Next, visit the stunning Halong Bay and lounge on a Junk boat (a traditional Asian vessel) whilst cruising among the 3000 islands rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.


hAnoI And SApA eXperIence

myStIcAl luAnG prABAnG

6 Day • trIp code: TaVSPN • trIp Style: Independent

4 Day • trIp code: TaLMLN • trIp Style: Independent

Hanoi, the ‘City of the Soaring Dragon’ is proudly home to a fascinating cultural heritage and has a unique and inviting vibe. Spend a day enjoying this intriguing capital, then leave the city behind and head for the hills. Sapa is a spectacularly situated mountain town where traditional hill tribe people emerge through the mist to sell their wares each day. Each hill tribe community is unique and differs significantly from its neighbours. Walk through terraced rice fields and visit with local people in their villages to see for yourself a very different way of life.

Luang Prabang, the former Royal Capital of Laos is a dream for any photographer. This well preserved world heritage site is a mixture of traditional buddhist and european architectural style. Wake early to witness the ancient buddhist offering to hundreds of saffron robed monks as the sun rises. Explore ancient temples dating back to the 15th century before heading to the evening market, brimming with local textiles, foo and handicrafts. You will wish you hadn’t packed that extra shirt.




SAIGon & mekonG deltA eXperIence4 Day • trIp code: TaVSDN • trIp Style: Independent


Ho Chi Minh Square, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace await you in the historic city of Saigon. Tour these fascinating places and more before heading out of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. The pace slows considerably when we get to the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta where life revolves around the river. Drift along the narrow, winding canals, visit a fruit orchard and observe the lives of locals, largely unchanged by the passage of time. See many different sides of diverse Vietnam on this 4-day tour.


AncIent AnGkor wAt4 Day • trIp code: TaKaaC • trIp Style: Independent

Built over a period of 400 years by a number of different rulers, and covering an area of more than 400 sq km, the temple complex of Angkor Wat was only rediscovered 150 years ago. This magnificent site holds incredible structures and sculptures from the Khmer Empire and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens, stone carvings, and endless photo opportunities, a visit to magical and mysterious Angkor will remain with you forever.



ouR INDEPENDENT TRIPS ARE foR THoSE WHo DoN’T WANT To foLLoW A fIXED ITINERARY.

It gives you the freedom to arrange your holiday how you want. Choose from city breaks and mini-adventures, to complete 2 week touring options with comfor t levels to suit all tastes.

LOOKING FOR FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY?

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 37cAmBodIA, lAoS - ASIA

Novice Monks, Laos

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels, Guesthouse (10 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, cyclo, slow boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader thoughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 4 Breakfast. BuDGET:� Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AVRL - Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Day 2 Lac Sao - A long journey through scenic mountains takes us to the sleepy Laos border town of Lac Sao. Explore the exotic food market and watch the locals playing petanque and relaxing as the sun sets. Day 3 Vientiane (B) - Quiet and relaxed, this sleepy capital has a wealth of charms to offer from its eclectic blend of French and Lao architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafés, and quiet temples. Day 4 Vang Vieng - Take in the fantastic limestone karst scenery, cycle out to nearby villages, or float down the river in a rubber tube. The numerous caves and endless rice fields make this off-the-beaten-path destination one that you will never forget. Day 5-7 Luang Prabang (2B) - Once home to the Laotian kings, this beautiful town is full of of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses, and textile treasures. Day 8 mekong River/ Pakbeng - Cruise up the Mekong River through magnificent jungle covered hills to Pakbeng, an ethnic minority town. Day 9 Chiang Kong - Continue by slow boat up the Mekong and cross in to Thailand at the Houeisay border. Chiang Kong is a small riverside town with cross border trading from nearby villages. Day 10 Chiang mai- A drive through the hills of Northern Thailand takes us to Chiang Mai, a city full of temples, markets, and Lanna culture. Day 11 Bangkok (B) - Bangkok truly is the essence of Thailand with its chaotic streets and busy canals, tranquil temples, colourful markets, and food that defies description. Day 12 Depart Bangkok

roAm lAoS

The minute you step foot into Laos, you have the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time. From the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang, to the limestone karst peaks of Vang Vieng and watching fishing boats trawl along the Mekong, Laos is a country that is sure to delight.

12 Day • trIp code: aVRL • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Slow boat down the Mekong

Bangkok

Hanoi

Chiang Khong

Luang Prabang

Lac Sao Chiang

Mai Vientiane

Vang Vieng

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

2 0 0 9JAN 21 FEB 1JAN 28 FEB 8FEB 4 FEB 15FEB 11 FEB 22FEB 18 MAR 1FEB 25 MAR 8

MAR 4 MAR 15MAR 18 MAR 29APR 1 APR 12APR 15 APR 26APR 29 MAY 10MAY 13 MAY 24MAY 27 JUN 7

JUN 10 JUN 21JUN 24 JUL 5JUL 8 JUL 19JUL 22 AUG 2AUG 5 AUG 16AUG 19 AUG 30SEP 2 SEP 13

SEP 16 SEP 27SEP 30 OCT 11OCT 14 OCT 25OCT 28 NOV 8NOV 11 NOV 22NOV 25 DEC 6DEC 9 DEC 20

DEC 16 DEC 27DEC 23 JAN 3DEC 30 JAN 102 0 1 0JAN 6 JAN 17JAN 13 JAN 24JAN 20 JAN 31

JAN 27 FEB 7FEB 3 FEB 14FEB 10 FEB 21FEB 17 FEB 28FEB 24 MAR 7MAR 3 MAR 14MAR 17 MAR 28



12 Days hanoi to Bangkok • Departs select weDnesDays, weD-sun



ITINERARY ATGB - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Chaotic streets, busy canals, tranquil temples, colorful markets and food that defies description - Bangkok truly is the essence of Asia. Day 3-5 Siem Reap and Angkor Wat - Explore the incredible temples and palaces of the vast complex of Angkor, some temples still claimed by the jungle. Day 6-8 Luang Prabang - Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Day 9 Vang Vieng - Situated amongst limestone karsts, vast rice fields, and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water with a good book. Day 10 Vientiane - Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer - from its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples. Day 11 Depart Vietiane

Included Highlights:� Bangkok Klong Tour, entrance to Wat Po, Entrance to Angkor Wat complex, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Entrance and guide to Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang)

lAnd of the Golden BuddhA

Step into one of Asia’s best kept secrets - magical Cambodia and Laos - and walk into a world that time seems to have forgotten. From the glitz of Wat Po in Bangkok to the sleepy city of Luang Prabang, with temples of Angkor as far as the eye can see, the Land of the Golden Buddha is waiting for you with arms wide open.

11 Day • trIp code: aTGB • trIp Style: clASSIc


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (10 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, small river boat, flight. GRouP SIZE:� Min 4, Max 15 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts. BuDGET:� Allow USD150 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip is part of our 24 day Trail of the Buddha (ATTB).

2 0 0 9MAR 19 MAR 29APR 16 APR 26MAY 7 MAY 17MAY 21 MAY 31JUN 4 JUN 14

JUN 18 JUN 28JUL 2 JUL 12JUL 16 JUL 26JUL 30 AUG 9AUG 13 AUG 23AUG 27 SEP 6

SEP 10 SEP 20SEP 24 OCT 4OCT 8 OCT 18OCT 22 NOV 12 0 1 0MAR 18 MAR 28

APR 1 APR 11APR 15 APR 25APR 29 MAY 9MAY 13 MAY 23MAY 27 JUN 6JUN 10 JUN 20

JUN 24 JUL 4JUL 8 JUL 18JUL 22 AUG 1AUG 5 AUG 15AUG 19 AUG 29SEP 2 SEP 12




11 Days Bangkok to Vientiane • Departs select thursDays (mar-0ct), thu-sun

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

LuangPrabang

angVVieng

Siem ReapAngkor Wat

Vientiane



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - thAIlAnd, vIetnAm

ACCommoDATIoN:� Comfort hotels (12 nts), Boat (1 nt), Sleeper train (1nt) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, fl ight, cyclo, boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 14 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD230 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY ATGH - Day 1 Bangkok (D) - Arrive in Bangkok in time for a succulent Thai banquet dinner. Day 2 Bangkok(B) - Explore Bangkok’s canals and Grand Palace. Day 3-4 Hanoi (2B,D) - Hanoi is one of the most charming of Indochina’s cities. Become immersed in a whirlwind of activity and colour. The shops and markets of the old quarter offer endless temptations. Enjoy fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Day 5-6 Halong Bay (2B,2L,D) - Dramatic limestone karst formations rise from the crystal waters of the South China Sea; according to legend they were formed as a dragon descended to the sea. Day 7 Hue (B,L) - Once the Imperial capital, Hue is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Vietnam - scattered with the tombs of emperors and timeless temples. Day 8 Hoi An (B,L) - Celebrate Hoi An’s trading heritage with fabulous markets, galleries, tailor shops, craft stalls and restaurants. The city is rich in historic architecture and has its own distinctive cuisine. Day 9-10 Ho Chi minh City (2B,1L,1D) - The city’s streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, is a fantastic mix of street markets, shops, cafes, and vendors selling their wares on sidewalks. The wide avenues and colonial buildings are best explored by cyclo. Day 11-13 Siem Reap (3B,D) - Arguably Asia’s most impressive sight, Angkor is a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Day 14 Bangkok (B,D) - A dinner cruise along the Chao Praya River is a fi tting fi nale and a memorable view of this incomparable city. Day 15 Depart Bangkok (B)

Gourmet IndochInA

Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia offer some of the most delectable cuisines imaginable. Discover the food that makes the region memorable. Add in magnificent scenery, stunning temples, exquisite textiles and world renowned markets for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

15 Day • trIp code: aTGH • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Imperial dinner Bangkok, Entrance to Wat Po, Bangkok cooking class, Hanoi cooking class, Halong Bay cruise with dinner, Ho Chi Minh City cyclo tour, Entrance and guide to Angkor Temple complex, Bangkok dinner cruise.

Halong Bay

Hue

Hoi An

Hanoi

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

V I E T N A M

CAMBODIA

T H A I L A N D

2 0 0 9JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 14 FEB 28FEB 28 MAR 14MAR 14 MAR 28

MAR 28 APR 11APR 11 APR 25APR 25 MAY 9MAY 9 MAY 23MAY 23 JUN 6


AUG 15 AUG 29AUG 29 SEP 12SEP 12 SEP 26SEP 26 OCT 10OCT 10 OCT 24

OCT 24 NOV 7NOV 7 NOV 21NOV 21 DEC 5DEC 5 DEC 19DEC 19 JAN 2

2 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 16JAN 16 JAN 30JAN 30 FEB 13FEB 13 FEB 27



15 Days ex Bangkok • Departs saturDays twice monthly, sat-sat


Chiang Mai Cooking School

thAIlAnd IS known AS the lAnd of SmIleS…

If you already been there, you know it’s true. Behind everything, is waiting for you all kind of smiles: open, happy, shine, truth, pure.

This picture is of a wonderful girl. She was walking, dancing, rotating her hat. Her feet never seemed to touch the ground. She was almost flying like a butterfly.

The most memorable thing about her was her smile. It touched our hearts lightly and sweetly as silk.

THIS IS MY ADVENTURE..... find yours

SmIle of SIlkTaken by Vanessa Oliveira (Portugal) in Thailand.

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 39thAIlAnd, cAmBodIA, lAoS - ASIA

Vientiane, Laos

Mekong River, Laos

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (1nt) TRANSPoRT:� Private bus, local bus, plane, boat, sleeper train GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader, local guides mEALS INCLuDED:� 4 Breakfasts BuDGET:� Please allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok on Day 15. You may wish to arrange additional accommodation.

ITINERARY ATCm - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Battambang - Travel overland to this tranquil riverside town of French colonial architecture. Day 3-4 Siem Reap (B) - Explore Indochina’s most incredible historic sight - the vast temple-palace complex of Angkor, capital of the Khmer Empire. Day 5 Phnom Penh - Travel to Cambodia’s riverside capital. Explore this pleasant riverside city of cafes, shady streets and thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios. Day 6 Kratie/ Steung Treng - Perhaps see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy River Dolphin that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Day 7 Don Khong - An island stay in the heart of Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mekong complete with waterfalls, coconut palms, Irrawaddy dolphins and long-tail fishing boats. Day 8 Champasak & Pakse - Enjoy a riverside town and dramatic mountainside Khmer temple. Day 9-11 Luang Prabang (2B) - Luang Prabang is undoubtedly the “Jewel of Laos”, a peaceful riverside town of tranquil temples, incredible textiles, cafes and bakeries. Day 12-13 Vang Vieng - Nestled amid limestone karst hill, explore the many caves or drift down the river in an inner tube. Day 14 Vientiane (B) - Scour the morning market for souvenirs, count the Buddha images in Wat Si Saket or simply relax with a Beer Lao in one of the many riverside stilt restaurants. Day 15 Depart Bangkok - Arrive Back into Thailand’s busy capital. Trip ends on arrival at Bangkok Railway Station.

Included Highlights:� Entrance and guide to Angkor temples, Entrance to Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), Wat Phu Champassak

cAmBodIA & lAoS mekonG Adventure

With the mighty Mekong mapping much of the route, explore the incredible historical, architectural, sacred and scenic highlights of Cambodia and Laos. This is a world of busy markets and stunning textiles, tranquil temples and awesome Khmer ruins. Try to spot rare river dolphins and relax in riverside cafes to watch magnificent sunsets.

15 Day • trIp code: aTCM • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Phnom Penh

LuangPrabang

VangVieng

Siem ReapAngkor Wat

Battambang

Vientiane

ChampasakDhon Khong

Kratie






DEC 6 DEC 20DEC 20 JAN 32 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 17 JAN 31



15 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays twice monthly, sun-sun




& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - lAoS, thAIlAnd

Luang Prabang, Laos

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple fan-cooled hotel/guesthouses (3 nts), Basic hilltribe villages (2 nts, multishare), Sleeper trains (2 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, train, elephant, walking, river raft. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD85 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Want to see a little more of Thailand? Why not add the Chao Praya River and Ayutthaya to your trip to Thailand? Check out Rice Barge Cruise - trip code TATRBN NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok in the morning on Day 8. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATHV - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - With towering skyscrapers pressed up against Chinese shop-houses and brand new Mercedes squeezing past vendors with pushcarts, Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Explore the sights, while delighting in the dazzling Grand Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, and enjoying some shopping in Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a travellers favourite. Enclosed by a moat and crumbling walls, the old city features great cafes and shops. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the eclectic night bazaar or visit any of the hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 4-6 Hilltribe Trek (3B,2L,2D) - Trek through the rolling hills and mountainsides of northern Thailand - home to a vast diversity of ethnic minorities, each with their own culture, traditions, language and costume. Day 7 Chiang mai - Return to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. Sit in on a meditation class at one of the temples or test your culinary skills and join one of the numerous Thai cooking classes. Day 8 Depart Bangkok

northern hIlltrIBeS And vIllAGeS

From the chaotic streetscape of Bangkok, head to the cooler mountains of Northern Thailand. Trek through the jungle with your guide and find yourself staying with some of the many hilltribe villages that are dotted across this spectacular area. Learn firsthand about hilltribe life and how these villagers have managed to preserve their unique culture and traditions over hundreds of years.

8 Day • trIp code: aTHV • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Hilltribe trek

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Hilltribe trek

Chiang Mai

T H A I L A N D

8 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sun weekly to FeB 2009, sun-sun. From march 2009, DEPARTS SATuRDAYS WEEKLY, SAT-SAT


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, river boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, cyclo, flight GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 7 Breakfasts. BuDGET:� Allow USD190 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Add the AVEV Essential Vietnam and Cambodia for a full Indochina Experience (ATIE)

ITINERARY ATBH - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok (B) - Explore some of Bangkok’s wonders by tuk tuk, long tail boat or bicycle. A guided visit through Wat Po is a great indroduction to Thai Buddhist culture. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite. With fantastic street food, a bustling night bazaar, hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside, you will never rest whilst exploring this energetic city. Day 4 Chiang Kong - After a five hour bus ride, arrive in Chiang Khong and relax at our guesthouse, which overlooks the Mekong River. Sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life. Day 5 mekong River - Begin the journey down the world’s 10th longest river by slow boat. The Mighty Mekong is always a hive of activity - from fishing to trade and transport between the many villages that line its banks. Day 6-8 Luang Prabang (2B) - Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Day 9-10 Vang Vieng - Situated amongst limestone karsts, vast rice fields, and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water with a good book. Day 11 Vientiane (B) - Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer. From its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Day 12-13 Hanoi (2B) - Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of activity and color. Hanoi offers seemingly endless temptations in the shops and markets of the old quarter, relaxing lakeside coffee shops, fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Day 14 Depart Hanoi (B)

Included Highlights:� Klong trip in Bangkok, Entrance and guide Wat Po, Entrance and guide Doi Suthep, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Entrance and guide to Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang), Kuang Si Falls trip(half day), Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (seasonal), Water puppets in Hanoi

BAnGkok to hAnoI Adventure

From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey of an unforgettable area.

14 Day • trIp code: aTBH • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

LAOS

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Chiang Khong

LuangPrabangPakbeng

Vientiane

Vang Vieng

HanoiVIETNAM

T H A I L A N D

14 Days Bangkok to hanoi • Departs monDays weekly, mon-sun



Karen Tribe Woman, Thailand




For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. thAIlAnd - ASIA 41

Sailing, Thailand

I N D I A

S R I L A N K A

A F G H A N I S TA N

N E PA L

B H U TA N

B A N G L A D E S H

T H A I L A N D

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N

K A Z A K H S TA NU Z B E K IS TA N


TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

PhuketPhangNga

Lanta Is.Phi Phi Is.

Surin Is.ITINERARY ATSA - Day 1 Arrive Phuket - Arrive in Phuket by mid day and board our sailing catarmaran. Days 2-6 Phuket/Phang Nga Bay Explorer - Enjoy fi ve days sailing through the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Relax on board as you witness breathtaking sights, or kayak through limestone arches to discover hidden caves. Don a mask and be amazed at the magnifi cent exotic coloured fi sh. Possible island stops include: Koh Hong East, Koh Kai, Phi Phi Island, Koh Dan, and Koi Roi. Day 7 Depart Phuket

Included Highlights:� Six days of sailing through south Thailand islands.

thAIlAnd SAIlInG Adventure

Island hop on the Andaman Sea to some of the best snorkelling and diving locations in the world. Swim in deserted waters among turtles, the occasional manta ray and fish as far as the eye can see. Claim the sea as your own in this amazing sailing adventure.

7 Day • trIp code: aTSa • trIp Style: clASSIc


ACCommoDATIoN:� Sailing boat (6 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Sailing catarmaran GRouP SIZE:� Max 8 GRouP LEADER:� Skipper. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts. 6 Light Lunches, 2 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD30 for meals not included. For additional expenses see trip details.

2 0 0 9JAN 11 JAN 17JAN 25 JAN 31FEB 8 FEB 14FEB 22 FEB 28

MAR 8 MAR 14MAR 29 APR 4APR 12 APR 18APR 26 MAY 2MAY 10 MAY 16

MAY 24 MAY 30JUN 7 JUN 13JUN 21 JUN 27JUL 5 JUL 11JUL 19 JUL 25

AUG 2 AUG 8AUG 16 AUG 22AUG 30 SEP 5SEP 13 SEP 19SEP 27 OCT 3

OCT 11 OCT 17OCT 25 OCT 31NOV 8 NOV 14NOV 22 NOV 28DEC 6 DEC 12

DEC 20 DEC 262 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 9JAN 17 JAN 23JAN 31 FEB 6



7 Days phuket to phuket • Departs sunDays twice monthly, sun-sat

Southern Thailand


* Can’t get enough of Thailand’s beaches?Why not add a Phuket Beach break? Check out trip code TATPBS

ASIA - thAIlAnd42For information on trip styles,service level

& physical demands ratings please see page 7.

Cycling in Sukhothai, Thailand

ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (10 nts), Raft house (1 nt), Hilltribe villages (2 nts) (multishare), Sleeper train (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, cycle-rickshaw, longtail boat, elephant, raft, walking, minibus, songthaew, local bus. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Combine this with our Thailand Island Hopping for the full Thailand Experience - trip code ATTX.

ITINERARY ATNP - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok (B) - Chaotic streets, busy canals, tranquil temples, colorful markets and food that defies description - Bangkok truly is the essence of Asia. Day 3-4 Chiang mai (2B) - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the busy night bazaar, or visit any of the hundreds of temples right in the city. Day 5 Chiang Rai (B) - Verdant green valleys and rolling hills surround this gateway city. With a night market very different to that in Chiang Mai, you will enjoy shopping, eating and listening to the local music. Day 6-8 Hilltribe Trek (3B,2L,2D) - Trek through the hills of Northern Thailand which are home to a vast diversity of ethnic minorities, each with their own culture, traditions, language and costume. Stay in the simple homes of these locals and learn a little of their way of life. Day 9-10 Golden Triangle (2B) - With days of the opium trade well in the past, the Golden Triangle is now a peaceful area where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet. Day 11 Ayutthaya - Change gears with a visit to one of Thailand’s many former capitals, a sleepy riverside town graced with ancient pagodas, palaces and shrines. Day 12-13 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai (B,D) - Visit the famous “Bridge on the River Kwai” and other WWII memorials. Travel up river to stay in a floating raft house and visit the beautiful Sai Yok National Park. Day 14 Bangkok (B) - Return to the glorious chaos of the capital and enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends. Day 15 Depart Bangkok

northern thAIlAnd eXperIence

Rolling mountains, waterfalls, crumbling temples, and diverse forest is what Northern Thailand is all about. Visit bustling Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and the hilltribes of the north who will captivate you with their colourful costumes and willingness to share their culture.

15 Day • trIp code: aTNP • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Klong boat tour, Entrance and guide to Wat Pho, Doi Suthep temple, 3 day trek through hill tribe villages, Elephant ride, Entrance to Opium museum, Tour of temple ruins in Ayutthaya, River Kwai War Museum, Erawan FallsI N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Golden TriangleHilltribe Trek

ChiangMai

Chiang Rai

KanchanaburiRiver Kwai Ayutthaya

T H A I L A N D

2 0 0 9JAN 5 JAN 19JAN 12 JAN 26JAN 19 FEB 2

JAN 26 FEB 9FEB 2 FEB 16FEB 9 FEB 23FEB 16 MAR 2

FEB 23 MAR 9MAR 1 MAR 15MAR 8 MAR 22MAR 15 MAR 29

MAR 22 APR 5MAR 29 APR 12APR 5 APR 19APR 12 APR 26

APR 19 MAY 3APR 26 MAY 10MAY 3 MAY 17MAY 10 MAY 24

MAY 17 MAY 31MAY 24 JUN 7MAY 31 JUN 14JUN 7 JUN 21



15 Days ex Bangkok • Departs monDays weekly to FeB 2009, mon-mon. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS SuNDAYS WEEKLY, SuN-SuN


ACCommoDATIoN:� Superior hotels (11 nights) TRANSPoRT:� Private and Public bus and minivan, elephant, boat, train, flight GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD140 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY ATTT - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Days 2 Bangkok (B) - The gleaming spires of the Grand Palace are magnificent in the morning sun. No visit to this city is complete without cruising the ‘klong’ waterways to observe canal life, passing the boathouse where the Royal Barges are housed. Days 3-4 Chiang mai (2B,L,D) - Discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine by joining a cookery course in this northern city. Explore Chiang Mai by bike, pausing at your leisure to explore gilded Buddhist temples, temple ruins and vibrant local markets. Day 5 Lampang/Elephant Conservation Centre (B) - The privilege of getting up close and personal with Asian elephants is not to be missed on a tour through the Elephant Conservation Centre. Head into the picturesque countryside to sit back, relax and enjoy a barbeque and a H’mong hilltribe cultural show. Day 6 Sukhothai (B) - The city of Sukhothai, literally the ‘Dawn of Happiness’, was the original capital of Thailand’s first kingdom and is considered representative of ‘the Golden Age’ of Thai civilisation. Explore the remains of the ancient royal realm, now one of Thailand’s World Heritage sites and marvel at the evocative religious art and architecture of the classic Sukhothai era. Days 7-8 Kanchanaburi (2B) - Gain an insight into the lives of allied POWs during the war through a sobering trip to the War Museum and the infamous ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. Days 9-10 Hua Hin (2B) - Soak up the sun and relax in this royal resort town. Days 11 Bangkok (B,D) - Finish up the adventure with an atmospheric evening cruise and final night’s dinner on the mighty Chao Phraya River. Day 12 Depart Bangkok (B)

Included Highlights:� Arrival transfer and daily breakfast, Entrance and guide to Grand Palace, Klong tour, Cycling at Sukhothai Historical Park, Entrance to Thai/ Burma War Museum, Bridge over the River Kwai , Train journey on Death Railway, Elephant ride, H’mong cultural show, Doi Suthep Monastery, Thai cooking course , Kantoke dinner in Chiang Mai, Bangkok river cruise and dinner

treASureS of thAIlAnd

Unearth the exquisite ‘land of smiles’ in comfort.Visit the rehabilitation of the endangered Asian elephant, step back in time to imagine the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai’s ‘Dawn of Happiness’ and try your hand at conjuring up some Thai gastronomic delights.

12 Day • trIp code: aTTT • trIp Style: clASSIc

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Kanchanaburi River Kwai

Lampang

Hua Hin

Sukhothai

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

2 0 0 9FEB 7 FEB 18MAR 7 MAR 18APR 4 APR 15MAY 2 MAY 13MAY 23 JUN 3JUN 6 JUN 17JUN 20 JUL 1JUL 4 JUL 15

JUL 18 JUL 29AUG 1 AUG 12AUG 15 AUG 26AUG 29 SEP 9SEP 12 SEP 23SEP 26 OCT 7OCT 10 OCT 21OCT 24 NOV 4NOV 7 NOV 18

NOV 21 DEC 2DEC 5 DEC 16DEC 19 DEC 302 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 13JAN 16 JAN 27JAN 30 FEB 10FEB 13 FEB 24FEB 27 MAR 10

MAR 13 MAR 24MAR 27 APR 7APR 10 APR 21APR 24 MAY 5MAY 8 MAY 19MAY 22 JUN 2JUN 5 JUN 16JUN 19 JUN 30JUL 3 JUL 14

JUL 17 JUL 28JUL 31 AUG 11AUG 14 AUG 25AUG 28 SEP 8SEP 11 SEP 22SEP 25 OCT 6OCT 9 OCT 20OCT 23 NOV 3NOV 6 NOV 17

NOV 20 DEC 1DEC 4 DEC 15DEC 18 DEC 29



12 Days ex Bangkok • Departs select saturDays, sat-weD


Hiking, Northern Thailand




Elephant Trek, Northern Thailand

ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (7 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Train, public bus, taxi, walking, elephant, songthaew, bicycle. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts BuDGET:� Allow USD135 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Add Thailand Island Hopping ATTW to create Thailand Discovery - trip code ATTD NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok in the morning on Day 9. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATND - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Days 2-3 Sukhothai (2B) - Cycle through the Sukhothai Historical Park, which features beautiful and fascinating pagodas dating back to the 13th century. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you cycle through tree lined laneways. Day 4 Lampang - Stroll through this old-style Thai town which has retained much of its original style and charm and visit any of the lovely temples or pagodas in the area. Visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and see these gentle creatures taking a morning bath. Day 5- 6 Chiang Rai and Golden Traingle (2B) - With days of the opium trade well in the past, the Golden Triangle is now a peaceful area where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet. Day 7-8 Chiang mai (2B) - This northern city has long been a travellers favourite - try the fantastic street food, shop at the night bazaar or visit the hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 9 Depart Bangkok

northern thAIlAnd dIScovery

Winding roads lead you to the peaceful north of Thailand. Visit crumbling ruins of sacred temples, still bearing the scars of war, and ride atop gentle swaying elephants. The textiles and culture of the north are rich and colourful and the traditions of the area add to the charm of Northern Thailand.

9 Day • trIp code: aTND • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Klong boat tour in Bangkok, Entrance and guide at Wat Po, Entrance to Doi Suthep temple, Entrance to Opium museum, Elephant Conservation Centre and show, Elephant ride, Half day bicycle trip around historical Sukhothai

I N D I A

S R I L A N K A


N E PA L

B H U TA N

B A N G L A D E S H

C H I N A

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

T H A I L A N D

Bangkok

Golden Triangle

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

Sukhothai

Lampang

A N D A M A N S E A

2 0 0 9JAN 3 JAN 11JaN 10 JAN 18JAN 17 JAN 25JAN 24 FEB 1JAN 31 FEB 8FEB 7 FEB 15FEB 14 FEB 22FEB 21 MAR 1FEB 28 MAR 8

MAR 6 MAR 14MAR 13 MAR 21MAR 20 MAR 28MAR 27 APR 4APR 3 APR 11APR 10 APR 18APR 17 APR 25APR 24 MAY 2MAY 1 MAY 9MAY 8 MAY 16

MAY 15 MAY 23MAY 22 MAY 30MAY 29 JUN 6JUN 5 JUN 13JUN 12 JUN 20JUN 19 JUN 27JUN 26 JUL 4JUL 3 JUL 11JUL 10 JUL 18JUL 17 JUL 25

JUL 24 AUG 1JUL 31 AUG 8AUG 7 AUG 15AUG 14 AUG 22AUG 21 AUG 29AUG 28 SEP 5SEP 4 SEP 12SEP 11 SEP 19SEP 18 SEP 26SEP 25 OCT 3

OCT 2 OCT 10OCT 9 OCT 17OCT 16 OCT 24OCT 23 OCT 31OCT 30 NOV 7NOV 6 NOV 14NOV 13 NOV 21NOV 20 NOV 28NOV 27 DEC 5DEC 4 DEC 12

DEC 11 DEC 19DEC 18 DEC 26DEC 25 JAN 22 0 1 0JAN 1 JAN 9JAN 8 JAN 16JAN 15 JAN 23JAN 22 JAN 30JAN 29 FEB 6



9 Days ex Bangkok • Departs saturDays weekly to FeB 2009, sat-sun. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS fRIDAYS WEEKLY, fRI-SAT


ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (5 nts), Hlltribe villages (2 nts-multishare), Sleeper train (3 nts), camping (2 nts), rafthouse (1 nt, multishare) TRANSPoRT:� Train, cycle-rickshaw, walking, minibus, songthaew, local bus, bicycle, raft, plane GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD150 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Have a few more days? Why not check out Halong Bay? See Hanoi & Halong Bay Experience - trip code TAVHHN NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok in the morning on Day 14. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATHB - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Jump on your bicycle and escape to the quieter back-streets of this chaotic city. Explore hidden temples, lovely parks and try out amazing street food. Day 3-5 Chiang mai & Hill tribe trek (2B,2L,2D) - Head to the mountains for an unforgetttable hike through the jungle, over rice paddies and alongside streams and waterfalls. Emerge from the jungle and discover remote hilltribe villages, home to the Karen, Lahu and Akha peoples. Spend time with our hilltribe hosts, learning about their unique cultures and sleeping in traditional bamboo houses. Day 6 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the busy night bazaar, or visit any of the hundreds of temples right in the city. Day 7-8 Ayuthaya & Kanchanaburi (B,L,D) - Change gears with a visit to one of Thailand’s many former capitals, a sleepy riverside town graced with ancient pagodas, palaces and shrines after which we cycle around Kanchanaburi. Travel up river to stay in a floating raft house and visit the beautiful Sai Yok National Park. Day 9 Krabi - Marvel at the limestone karsts dotted around the coastline. Enjoy the glorious coral reefs, caves and marine life that make Krabi a favourite among travellers. Day 10-12 Andaman Sea (2B,3L,2D) - A sea kayaking safari along the Andaman coast shows us the crystal waters and shallow reefs or just relax on one of the many deserted beaches. Day 13 Krabi/Surathani - Return to the mainland before catching the evening train back to Bangkok. Day 14 Depart Bangkok

Included Highlights:� Bike riding around Bangkok, Hilltribe trek, Cycling in and around Kanchnaburi, Rafting on River Kwai, Sea Kayaking on Andaman Sea

thAIlAnd hIke, BIke & kAyAk

The best way to appreciate paradise is to jump straight into it. Hike through the dense tropical jungle, past lush rice paddy fields to remote hilltribe villages. Discover charming side streets and narrow back lanes as we jump off the tourist track and view city life from the seat of a bicycle in Kanchanaburi. Kayak through the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea on the western coast of Thailand.

14 Day • trIp code: aTHB • trIp Style: ActIve

I N D I A

S R I L A N K A


N E PA L

T H A I L A N D

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Hilltribe Trek

Chiang Mai

Krabi

KanchanaburiAyuthaya

A N D A M A N S E A

River Kwai

2 0 0 9JAN 25 FEB 7FEB 15 FEB 28MAR 8 MAR 21MAR 29 APR 11

APR 19 MAY 2MAY 10 MAY 23MAY 31 JUN 13JUN 21 JUL 4JUL 12 JUL 25

AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 23 SEP 5SEP 13 SEP 26OCT 4 OCT 17OCT 25 NOV 7

NOV 15 NOV 28DEC 6 DEC 19DEC 27 JAN 92 0 1 0JAN 17 JAN 30

FEB 7 FEB 20FEB 28 MAR 13MAR 21 APR 3APR 11 APR 24MAY 2 MAY 15

MAY 23 JUN 5JUN 13 JUN 26JUL 4 JUL 17JUL 25 AUG 7AUG 15 AUG 28



14 Days ex Bangkok • Departs select sunDays, sun-sat

Kayaking in Southern Thailand






Grand Palace, Bangkok

ITINERARY ATIS - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok (B,D) - The gleaming spires of the Grand Palace are magnificent in the morning sun - don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. No visit to this city is complete without cruising the ‘klong’ waterways to observe canal life, passing the boathouse where the Royal Barges are housed. Day 3-4 Chiang mai (2B,D) - Discover some of the secrets of this northern Thai capital, including gilded Buddhist temples and vibrant local markets. Day 5 Lampang/Elephant Conservation Centre (B) - The privilege of getting up close and personal with Asian elephants is not to be missed on a tour through the Elephant Conservation Centre. Day 6 Sukhothai (B,D) - The city of Sukhothai, literally the ‘Dawn of Happiness’, was the original capital of Thailand’s first kingdom and is considered representative of ‘the Golden Age’ of Thai civilization. Explore the remains of the ancient royal realm, now one of Thailand’s World Heritage sites and marvel at the evocative religious art and architecture of the classic Sukhothai era. Day 7 Ayuthaya (B,L) - Thailand’s former capital is graced with ancient temples, palaces and shrines. Enjoy the riverside scenery as we enjoy a delicious Thai lunch aboard a restored rice barge. Day 8-10 Siem Reap - Angkor (3B,D) - A morning drive and short flight take us to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent Khmer temple complex of Angkor - truly one of the world’s greatest sights. Explore the incredible temples and palaces of the vast complex of Angkor, where some temples are still claimed by the jungle. Day 11 Bangkok (B,D) - Return to Bangkok with time for some final shopping before our evening cruise and final night’s dinner on the mighty Chao Phraya River. Day 12 Depart Bangkok (B)

Included Highlights:� Arrival transfer and daily breakfast, Grand Palace tour, Klong tour, Elephant ride, Entrance to Doi Suthep Monastery, Sukothai, Entrance to Ayuthaya, Lunch on traditional Rice Barge, Kantoke dinner in Chiang Mai, Angkor Temple complex, Bangkok river cruise and dinner

thAIlAnd In Style wIth AnGkor

Unearth the ‘land of smiles’ in style. Thailand conjures up images of exquisite cuisine, majestic elephants, golden Buddhas, colourful hill tribe villagers, fantastic shopping and exotic hideaways. Add to this the magnificent Khmer temple complex of Angkor for a glimpse of the very best Southeast Asia has to offer.

12 Day • trIp code: aTIS • trIp Style: SuperIor

SERVICE LEVEL SuPERIoR PHYSICAL DEmAND 1�

ACCommoDATIoN:� Superior hotels (11 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Private bus and minivan, elephant, boat, flight GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD140 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9JAN 18 JAN 29FEB 1 FEB 12FEB 15 FEB 26MAR 1 MAR 12MAR 15 MAR 26MAR 29 APR 9

APR 12 APR 23APR 26 MAY 7MAY 10 MAY 21MAY 24 JUN 4JUN 7 JUN 18JUN 21 JUL 2JUL 5 JUL 16

JUL 19 JUL 30AUG 2 AUG 13AUG 16 AUG 27AUG 30 SEP 10SEP 13 SEP 24SEP 27 OCT 8OCT 11 OCT 22

OCT 25 NOV 5NOV 8 NOV 19NOV 22 DEC 3DEC 6 DEC 17DEC 20 DEC 31DEC 20 DEC 312 0 1 0

JAN 3 JAN 14JAN 3 JAN 14JAN 17 JAN 28JAN 31 FEB 11FEB 14 FEB 25FEB 28 MAR 11MAR 14 MAR 25

MAR 28 APR 8APR 11 APR 22APR 25 MAY 6MAY 9 MAY 20MAY 23 JUN 3JUN 6 JUN 17JUN 20 JUL 1



12 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays twice monthly, sun-thu


I N D I A

S R I L A N K A


N E PA L

B H U TA N

B A N G L A D E S H

C A M B O D I A

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Ayuthaya

Siem ReapAngkor Wat

Lampang

Sukhothai

A N D A M A N S E A

Angkor Wat, Cambodia


GIve uS A kISS...Taken by Catherine Crosby (Canada), in CHIANG RAI, Thailand.

GIve uS A kISS...‘‘...or a bit of banana. Who knew that elephants like bananas??? I certainly didn’t. I went to the elephant hospital in Chiang Rai with a bag full of peanuts. But they turned their trunks up at them.

This elephant was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress syndrome. She had been caught in a field of land mines with her infant calf. She was very distraught and the monks at the hospital cared for her and her infant very well.

The monks care for the elephants like they are children and to them, they are. It is the most amazing place. I would go back again and again and stay longer this time. Two days was not enough.




Southern Thailand

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels/Guesthouses (1 nt), Sleeper train (2 nts), Simple bungalows (5 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, ferry GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included BuDGET:� Allow USD150 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY ATSS - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - As hectic as the city is, Bangkok has plenty of appeal. Delight in the dazzling Grand Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, sift through Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets and try out new foods. Day 3-4 Khao Sok National Park - Khao Sok is a diverse area of natural beauty, a perfect place for people who want to hike and enjoy nature or for those who just want to relax in a hammock by the riverside. Day 5 Ko Samui - Retreat to one of Thailand’s most popular vacation getaways. Despite the abundance of good food and the great nightlife, there are still plenty out of the way spots for those wishing to get away from it all. Day 6-8 Ko Tao - A beach paradise so laid back that even the palm trees don’t stand up straight! Snorkel or scuba dive around some of the best reefs in South-East Asia. Day 9 Depart Bangkok - Arrive in the early morning at the train station and bid farewell to everyone.

Southern thAIlAnd SoJourn

From the chaos of the streets of Bangkok, head south to explore a peaceful rainforest older than the Amazon, which still has wild elephants and tigers roaming around. After the jungle, head to your own tropical paradise on the islands of South Thailand.

9 Day • trIp code: aTSS • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand Islands

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Khao Sok NP Koh Samui

Koh Tao

T H A I L A N D

9 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sun weekly to FeB 2009, sun-mon. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS SATuRDAYS WEEKLY, SAT-SuN


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (1 nt) Sleeper train (1 nt), Simple bungalows/fan cooled (6 nts) Camping (2 nts Nov - April) TRANSPoRT:� Train, Local bus, aircon bus, boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, ferry, plane GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included. BuDGET:� Allow USD135 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok in the morning on Day 9. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATTW - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. for trips that run from may-oct , East Coast - Day 2-3 Ko Samui - Covered in coconut trees and beautiful beaches, with plenty of great dining options, Ko Samui is a perfect retreat. Day 4-5 Ko Pha Ngan - From quiet sandy beaches with yoga classes, to the frenzied full moon parties on Haad Rin with buckets of Sang Som, the local fi rewater, Ko Pha Ngan is a diverse wonderland. Day 6-8 Ko Tao - The reputation of Ko Tao’s natural beauty, especially its marine life and coral reefs, has spread the world over. Spend your days snorkelling/diving and the nights partying at the many beachside cafes and bars. Day 9 Depart Bangkok - for trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast - Day 2-3 Krabi - This area of Thailand is postcard perfect. Marvel at the limestone karsts dotted around the coastline. Enjoy the glorious coral reefs, caves and marine life that make Krabi a favourite among travellers. Day 4 Ko mook - White sandy beaches and a peaceful island culture with stunning sunsets provide the perfect setting for an island getaway. With the incredible Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) and great scenery, you will have found your own island paradise. Day 5-8 Andaman Sea - Enjoy snorkelling in crystal clear waters and shallow reefs on a sea safari, camping on a lovely island of Koh Rok and Koh Mook in the Andaman Sea. Dine on the freshest seafood caught by your host in this unforgettable escape. Day 9 Bangkok - Arrive back in Thailand’s busy capital, Trip ends upon arrival at Bangkok Railway Station

Included Highlights:� Island hopping, Sea safari (Nov - April)

thAIlAnd ISlAnd hoppInG

Coconut trees, gleaming white beaches and crystal clear waters are just some of the treasures that Southern Thailand has waiting for you. If camping on deserted islands and swimming and snorkelling in clear waters are your style, then this great trip is for you. Depending on the time of year, choose to spend your beach retreat on the east coast or the west coast of the country.

9 Day • trIp code: aTTW • trIp Style: clASSIc

Bangkok

KrabiKoh Muk

Koh SamuiKoh Pha Ngan

Koh Tao

May to OctoberNovember to April

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A


9 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays weekly to FeB 2009, sun-mon. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS SATuRDAYS WEEKLY, SAT-SuN



*Why not trek the North before

relaxing in the South?Check out Roam Thailand, see trip code ATRT




Elephant Trek & Rafting, Northern Thailand

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels (2 nts), Simple fan-cooled hotel/guesthouses (4 nts), Basic hilltribe villages (2 nts)(multishare), Sleeper trains (4 nts), Simple bungalows (3 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, train, elephant, walking, boat. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader thoughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Northern Hilltribes and Villages (ATHV) and Southern Thailand Sojourn tour (ATSS). RECommENDATIoN:� Finish off with a relaxing sailing trip, check out our ‘Thailand Sailing Adventure’, code ATSA. NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok around midday on Day 16. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATRT - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Delight in the dazzling Grand Palace and the city’s countless pagodas; if you’re a shopper, you could spend weeks sifting through Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets. Whatever your style, this is the place to eat, drink, explore, shop and be merry. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a traveller’s favourite. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the night bazaar, visit some of the hundreds of temples in the city, or explore beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 4-6 Hilltribe Trek (3B,2L,2D) - Trek through the the rolling hills and mountainsides of Northern Thailand, home to a vast diversity of ethnic minorities each with their own culture, traditions, language and costume. Day 7 Chiang mai - Return back to this northern capital to do any last minute shopping. Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicraft production (especially silverwork, woodcarving, pottery-making and weaving). Day 8-9 Bangkok - Return to Bangkok to visit the temples you missed, gardens you only passed through and shops you only peeked in. Day 10-11 Khao Sok National Park (B) - Khao Sok is a diverse area of natural beauty, a perfect place for people who want to hike and enjoy nature, or for those who just want to chill out in a hammock by the riverside. Day 12 Ko Samui - Retreat to one of Thailand’s most popular vacation getaways. Although there is plenty of night life and dining options, there are still plenty of out of the way spots for those wishing to get away from it all. Day 13-15 Ko Tao - A beach paradise so laid back that even the palm trees don’t stand up straight! Snorkel or scuba dive around some of the best reefs in South-East Asia. Day 16 Depart Bangkok - Arrive back into Thailand’s capital on day 16. Trip ends upon arrival at Bangkok Railway Station.

roAm thAIlAnd

From the glorious chaos of Bangkok, head to the serene mountains of Northern Thailand. Trek through the jungle with your guide and learn firsthand about life in a hilltribe village. After the trek, trade in the mountains for beach life in the south. Hang up your hammock and enjoy the sounds of the sea in your own tropical island paradise.

16 Day • trIp code: aTRT • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Hilltribe trek, Beaches of Ko Samui and Ko TaoI N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N

K A Z A K H S T A NUZBEKISTAN


TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Hilltribe TrekChiang Mai


Koh Tao

T H A I L A N D


16 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays weekly to FeB 2009, sun-mon. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS SATuRDAYS WEEKLY, SAT-SuN


ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (14 nts), Sleeper trains (2 nts), Beach Camping (2nts April - Oct) TRANSPoRT:� Train, public bus, taxi, walking, elephant, songthaew, bicycle, long tail boat, plane GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 6 Breakfasts BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines with Northern Thailand Discovery ATND and Thailand Island Hopping ATTW. RECommENDATIoN:� Want a little more of Thailand? Consider adding our “Rice Barge Cruise” tour - trip code TATRBN

ITINERARY ATTD - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Sukhothai (2B) - Cycle among the beautiful 13th century pagodas scattered through the Sukhothai Historical Park. Day 4 Lampang - Visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and see these gentle creatures bathing in the river. Day 5 Chiang Rai (B) - Prepare to be greeted by verdant green valleys and winding rivers in this northern town. With a great night market, eat up a storm while listening to local music. Day 6 Golden Traingle (B) - Soak up the atmosphere of this colourful and infamous border region, made famous by its notorious opium trade history, where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet. Day 7-8 Chiang mai (2B) - This northern city has long been a travellers favourite - try the fantastic street food, shop at the night bazaar or visit the hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 9 Bangkok - Return back to the capital for some fantastic shopping at Chatachuk weekend market. for trips that run may to oct, East Coast - Day 10-11 Koh Samui - An island covered in an abundance of coconut trees and fringed by beautiful beaches. Koh Samui is the perfect place to unwind. Day 12-13 Ko Phangan - With beachside resorts offering everything from yoga courses to the famous Full Moon Party, Ko Phangan has something for everyone. Day 14-16 Ko Tao - World renowned coral reefs and crystal clear waters make this island a favourite for diving and snorkelling fans. Day 17 Depart Bangkok - for trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast - Day 10 - 16 Andaman Sea - White sandy beaches and a peaceful island culture with stunning sunsets provide the perfect setting for an island getaway in Ko Mook and Koh Rok. With the incredible Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) and great scenery, you will have found your own island paradise. Day 17 Dept Bangkok

Included Highlights:� Klong boat tour, Entrance and guide to Wat Pho, Entrance to Doi Suthep temple, Entrance to Opium museum, Elephant Conservation Centre and show, Elephant ride, Half-day bicycle trip around historical Sukhothai, Sea safari (April - Oct)

thAIlAnd dIScovery

Winding mountain roads lead you around the spectacular countryside. Marvel at the glorious nature, discover ancient ruins, wander sacred temples and enjoy the charm of Northern Thailand. Head south where gleaming beaches await you.

17 Day • trIp code: aTTD • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

S R I L A N K A


N E PA L

B H U TA N

B A N G L A D E S H

C H I N A

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Golden Triangle

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

Sukhothai

Lampang

A N D A M A N S E A

KrabiKoh Muk


Koh Tao

mid October to mid April mid April to mid October


17 Days ex Bangkok • Departs saturDays weekly to FeB 2009, sat-mon. fRom mARCH 2009, DEPARTS fRIDAYS WEEKLY, fRI-SuN


*exclusions apply. please see website for details.*exclusions apply. please see website for details.



Elephant Trek, Thailand

ITINERARY ATTX - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - Chaotic streets, busy canals, tranquil temples, colourful markets and food that defies description - Bangkok truly is the essence of Asia. Day 3-5 Chiang mai/ Chiang Rai. - These northern cities have long been a traveller’s favourite. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the night markets and visit any of the numerous temples. Day 6-8 Hillside Trek - Trek through the the rolling hills and mountainsides of northern Thailand, home to a vast diversity of ethnic minorities each with their own culture, traditions, language and costume. Stay in the homes of these friendly and accommodating people and learn a little of their simple way of life. Day 9-10 Golden Triangle - With the days of the opium trade well in the past, the Golden Triangle is now a peaceful area where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet. Day 11 Ayuthaya - Change gears with a visit to one of Thailand’s many former capitals, a sleepy riverside town graced with ancient pagodas, palaces and shrines. Day 12-13

Included Highlights:� Klong boat tour, Entrance and guide to Wat Po, Entrance to Doi Suthep temple, 3 day trek through hill tribe villages, Elephant ride, Entrance to Opium museum, Tour of temple ruins, Rice Barge cruise, River Kwai War Museum, Erawan Falls, Jungle walk, Sea safari (Nov-April)

thAIlAnd eXperIence

From the sprawling mountains of the north to the sun-drenched islands of the south, this trip is the perfect introduction to Thailand. Trek through the jungle and stay with the hilltribes, then explore ancient temples in the north. Camp under the stars and enjoy island life on the southern peninsula.

22 Day • trIp code: aTTX • trIp Style: clASSIc

Kanchanaburi - Visit the famous “Bridge on the River Kwai” and other WWII memorials in this historical area. Travel up river to stay in floating raft houses and visit the beautiful Khao Yai National Park. Day 14 Bangkok - Return to the chaotic capital and explore the weekend market. for trips that run from may to oct, East Coast - Day 15-21 Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao - Covered in coconut trees and rimmed with beautiful beaches, these islands are a perfect retreat. Spend your idyllic days swimming, snorkelling, doing yoga, celebrating full moon parties or just sitting simply relaxing on the beach with an ice cold beer. Day 22 Depart Bangkok - for trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast - Day 15-18 Krabi, Ko muk - Marvel at the limestone karsts dotted around the coastline and kayak through local caves. Then escape to the little-visited Ko Muk and enjoy the idyllic island life. Day 19-21 Andaman Sea - A sea safari takes us to secluded islands where we fish, eat seafood and sleep in tents. Day 22 Depart Bangkok Arrive back into Thailand’s busy capital. Trip ends upon arrival at Bangkok Railway Station.


ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (11 nts), Rice barge (1 nt), Hilltribe villages (2 nts)(multishare), Sleeper trains (3 nts), Beach camping (2 nts Nov - April), Simple bungalows (2 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Train, cycle-rickshaw, longtail boat, elephant, rice barge, walking, minibus, songthaew, local bus, boat, ferry, plane. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Northern Thailand Experience (ATNP) and Thailand Island Hopping tours (ATTW). NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok around midday on Day 22. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.


22 Days ex Bangkok • Departs monDays weekly to FeB 2009, mon-mon. From mARCH 2009, DEPARTS SuNDAYS WEEKLY, SuN-SuN

I N D I A

S R I L A N K A


N E PA L

B H U TA N

B A N G L A D E S H

C H I N A

P A K I S TA N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Golden TriangleHilltribe Trek

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

KrabiKoh Muk

KanchanaburiAyuthaya

A N D A M A N S E A


Koh Tao

mid October to mid April mid April to mid October

River Kwai

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 49thAIlAnd - ASIA

If you’re looking for peace of mind, find the the trips labelled with the “GUARANTEED” stamp. This means that your departure is guaranteed to run once you have booked on

it. For more information on guaranteed departures, check out our website or ask a trusted travel agent.

100% Guarantee

d



Hill Tribe Girls, Thailand

Rafting, Northern Thailand

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple fan-cooled hotels/guesthouses (8 nts), Basic hilltribe village (3 nts), Sleeper trains (2 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, fan-cooled train, elephant, walking, boat, river raft GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD160 for meals not included. For addditional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines with Southern Thailand Sojourn - Trip Code ATSS - and creates the 22 day Siam Discovery- Trip Code ATSD. RECommENDATIoN:� Need a little relaxation after your trek? Try our Southern Sojourn trip - code ATSS

ITINERARY ATTR - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai - A memorable day is spent at an intriguing historical site, with the options of riding the ‘Death Railway’, entering Erawan National Park or just chilling out with the locals - the choice is yours. Day 4 Ayuthaya - Once a magnifi cent city, the serenity of Ayuthaya’s Buddhist monuments is overwhelming. Day 5 Chiang mai - Bargains abound in the night bazaar or maybe cycle the alleyways in the old walled city. Day 6-8 Hilltribe Trek - Appreciate Thailand’s northern region on a trek through remote hilltribe villages, alongside terraced rice paddies and farms. Staying overnight in simple traditional hilltribe huts, it is a privilege to meet the locals in their own homes. Wake up to a birdsong, swim in the river and glide downstream on simple bamboo rafts. Day 9 Chiang mai - Relax with a well-deserved massage, enjoy the delicious night market food or maybe watch the sunset from the nearby hilltop temple of Doi Sutep. Day 10-12 Golden Triangle & Chiang Rai - Making our way to where Thailand, Laos and Burma converge we explore the infamous Golden Triangle region - both beautiful and mysterious. A boat trip on the Mekong is an option, as is a visit to the Opium Museum. Day 13 Bangkok - Check out some of the best shopping districts in Asia and remember your tribal adventure over a delicious farewell dinner. Day 14 Depart Bangkok

trIBAl thAIlAnd

From the kaleidoscope of culture in Bangkok to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya and the ghostly ‘Death Railway’, embark on a two week exploration of Tribal Thailand. Learn about life in the the northern hills on a hilltribe trek, with time out in Chiang Mai and an exploration of the infamous Golden Triangle.

14 Day • trIp code: aTTR • trIp Style: clASSIc


I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Hilltribe Trek

Chiang Mai

Kanchanaburi

Ayuthaya

Chiang Rai

T H A I L A N D

Golden Triangle

River Kwai

14 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays weekly, sun-sat


ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple fan-cooled hotels/guesthouses (9 nts), Basic hilltribe village (3 nts), Sleeper trains (4 nts), Simple bungalows (5 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, fan-cooled train, elephant, walking, boat, river raft, ferry GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� This trip ends in Bangkok around midday on Day 22. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines ATTR and ATSS.

ITINERARY ATSD - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2-3 Kanchanaburi/River Kwai - A memorable day is spent at an intriguing historical site, with the options of riding the ‘Death Railway’, entering Erawan National Park or just chilling out with the locals - the choice is yours. Day 4 Ayuthaya - Once a magnifi cent city, the serenity of Ayuthaya’s Buddhist monuments is overwhelming. Day 5 Chiang mai - Bargains abound in the night bazaar or maybe cycle the alleyways in the old walled city. Day 6-8 Hilltribe Trek - Appreciate Thailand’s northern region on a trek through remote hilltribe villages, alongside terraced rice paddies and farms. Staying overnight in simple traditional hilltribe huts, it is a privilege to meet the locals in their own homes. Wake up to a birdsong, swim in the river and glide downstream on simple bamboo rafts. Day 9 Chiang mai - Relax with a well-deserved massage, enjoy the delicious night market food or maybe watch the sunset from the nearby hilltop temple of Doi Sutep. Day 10-12 Golden Triangle & Chiang Rai - Making our way to where Thailand, Laos and Burma converge, we explore the infamous Golden Triangle region - both beautiful and mysterious. A boat trip on the Mekong is an option as is a visit to the Opium Museum. Day 13-15 Bangkok - As hectic as the city is, Bangkok has plenty of appeal. Delight in the dazzling Grand Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, sift through Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets and try out new foods. On Day 15 board the overnight train south. Day 16-17 Khao Sok National park - Khao Sok is a diverse area of natural beauty, a perfect place for people who want to hike and enjoy nature or for those who just want to relax in a hammock by the riverside. Day 18 Ko Samui - Retreat to one of Thailand’s most popular vacation getaways. Despite the abundance of good food and the great nightlife, there are still plenty out of the way spots for those wishing to get away from it all. Day 19-21 Ko Tao - A beach paradise so laid back that even the palm trees don’t stand up straight! Snorkel or scuba dive around some of the best reefs in South-East Asia. Day 22 Depart Bangkok - From our overnight train the trip ends on arrival at Bangkok Railway Station.

Included Highlights:� Hilltribe trek, Khao Sok National Park

SIAm dIScovery

An exciting 3-week journey encompassing the diversity of this region. Walk alongside peaceful rows of Buddhas in the ancient Siamese capital, travel the ghostly ‘Death Railway’, and take a hilltribe trek to learn about Thailand’s diverse people and cultures. Venture into the infamous Golden Triangle and take time out in Chiang Mai before heading south to some of the best parks and beaches Southeast Asia has to offer.

22 Day • trIp code: aTSD • trIp Style: clASSIc

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Bangkok

Hilltribe Trek

Chiang Mai

Kanchanaburi

Ayuthaya

Chiang Rai


Koh Tao

T H A I L A N D

River Kwai

22 Days ex Bangkok • Departs sunDays weekly, sun-sun


*Need a little relaxation after your trek?Try our Southern Sojourn trip - code ATSS





For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 51thAIlAnd, mAlAySIA, SInGApore - ASIA

Foating Market, Bangkok

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), Simple fan-cooled guesthouses (5 nts), Basic hilltribe villages (2 nts)(multishare), Sleeper train (3 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Local bus, train, elephant, walking, river raft. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners. BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� This trip ends in Singapore around midday on Day 21. You may wish to arrange additional accomodations.

ITINERARY ATRA - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Day 2 Bangkok - With towering skyscrapers pressed up against Chinese shop-houses and brand new Mercedes squeezing past vendors with pushcarts, Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Explore the sights, while delighting in the dazzling Grand Palace and the city’s countless pagodas, and enjoying some shopping in Bangkok’s malls and open-air markets. Day 3 Chiang mai - This northern city has long been a travellers favourite. Enclosed by a moat and crumbling walls, the old city features great cafes and shops. Try the fantastic street food, shop at the eclectic night bazaar, visit any of the hundreds of temples or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Day 4-6 Hilltribe Trek (3B,2L,2D) - Trek through the rolling hills and mountainsides of northern Thailand - home to a vast diversity of ethnic minorities, each with their own culture, traditions, language and costume. Day 7 Chiang mai - Return to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. Sit in on a meditation class at one of the temples or test your culinary skills and join one of the numerous Thai cooking classes. Day 8-9 Bangkok - Back in Bangkok, jump aboard a longtail boat or a tuk tuk and explore the charismatic mix of markets and temples. Perhaps take in some shopping, recover with a massage then top it off with some tantalizing Thai cuisine. Day 10-12 Krabi/ Ao Nang - The beaches of Southern Thailand are simply idyllic. Try some adventurous optional activities such as rock climbing or sea kayaking, or, weather permitting, kick back on a longtail boat as it glides between remote beaches for a great day of snorkelling and swimming. Day 13-14 Penang - The winding streets of Georgetown are best explored by bicycle rickshaw. Check out the colonial architecture of the fort, pop into the colourful Indian quarter and visit lively Chinatown. Afterwards, indulge in a meal at the waterfront night market. Day 15-16 Cameron Highlands - One of Malaysia’s most famous hill stations surrounded by tea plantations and strawberry fi elds. The cooler weather is perfect for a relaxing walk through the cloud covered forest. Day 17-18 Kuala Lumpur - Discover KL, Malaysia’s premiere city. Stare up at one of the world’s tallest buildings, snag a great bargain at the night market, explore the nearby Batu caves and top off your day with the some of the best food in Southeast Asia. Day 19-20 melaka - A historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Portugese infl uences, Melaka remains one of Malaysia’s great destinations. With the fascinating Peranakan architecture and newly restored buildings in Jalan Jonka, you enjoy strolling the streets all afternoon. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at the local historical parks, or climb the steps to St Paul’s Church. Day 21 Depart Singapore - Trip ends in Singapore around midday.

roAm SoutheASt ASIA

Explore the exciting streets of Bangkok, trek through the jungle and stay in hilltribe villages, discover stunning beaches, cool hill stations and colourful bazaars and sample all the spicy, yet delicious, street food you can handle. This journey provides a great insight to a unique and diverse part of the world.

21 Day • trIp code: aTRa • trIp Style: clASSIc


C H I N A

B U R M A

I N D O N E S I AP A P U A N E W G U I N E A

A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES

S O L O M O N I S L A N D S

VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

M A R S H A L LI S L A N D S

Bangkok

Krabi

Penang

Cameron Highlands

SingaporeMelaka

Kuala Lumpur

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

T H A I L A N D

Hilltribe Trek

Chiang Mai

2 0 0 9FEB 28 MAR 20MAR 14 APR 3MAR 28 APR 17APR 11 MAY 1APR 25 MAY 15MAY 9 MAY 29MAY 23 JUN 12JUN 6 JUN 26

JUN 20 JUL 10JUL 4 JUL 24JUL 18 AUG 7AUG 1 AUG 21AUG 15 SEP 4AUG 29 SEP 18SEP 12 OCT 2SEP 26 OCT 16OCT 10 OCT 30

OCT 24 NOV 13NOV 7 NOV 27NOV 21 DEC 11DEC 5 DEC 25DEC 19 JAN 82 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 22JAN 16 FEB 5JAN 30 FEB 19

FEB 13 MAR 5FEB 27 MAR 19MAR 13 APR 2MAR 27 APR 16APR 10 APR 30APR 24 MAY 14MAY 8 MAY 28MAY 22 JUN 11JUN 5 JUN 25

JUN 19 JUL 9JUL 3 JUL 23JUL 17 AUG 6JUL 31 AUG 20AUG 14 SEP 3AUG 28 SEP 17SEP 11 OCT 1SEP 25 OCT 15OCT 9 OCT 29



21 Days Bangkok to singapore • Departs saturDays twice monthly, sat-Fri


* Want to see a little more of Thailand?Why not add the Chao Praya River and Ayutthaya to your trip - trip code TATRBN

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple bungalows (2 nts), Simple hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, minibus, ferry, songthaew, taxi GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included BuDGET:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� This trip ends in Singapore around midday on day 14. You may wish to arrange addditional accommodations.

ITINERARY ATRm - Day 1 Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok at anytime. Day 2 Bangkok - Jump aboard a longtail boat or maybe a tuk tuk and explore the charismatic mix of markets and temples that Bangkok seems to throw at you! Shop til you drop, recover with a massage and top it off with some tantalising Thai cuisine. Days 3-5 Krabi/ Ao Nang - The beaches of Southern Thailand are simply idyllic. Try some adventurous such as rock climbing or sea kayaking, options or, weather permitting, kick back on a longtail boat as it glides between remote beaches for a great day of snorkelling and swimming. Days 6-7 Penang - The winding streets of Georgetown are best explored by bicycle rickshaw. Check out the colonial architecture of the fort, pop into the colourful Indian quarter, and visit the lively Chinatown. After all that exploring, it will be time to indulge in a meal at the waterfront night market. Day 8-9 Cameron Highlands - We head for the Cameron Highlands, one of Malaysia’s most famous hill stations surrounded by tea plantations and strawberry fi elds. The cooler weather is perfect for a relaxing walk through the cloud covered forest. Days 10-11 Kuala Lumpur - Stare up at one of the world’s tallest buildings, snag a great bargain at the night market, explore the nearby Batu caves and top off your day with the some of the best food in south east asia. Day 12-13 melaka - A historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Portugese infl uences, Melaka remains one of Malaysia’s great destinations. With the fascinating Peranakan architecture and newly restored buildings in Jalan Jonka, you will be more than happy to stroll the streets all afternoon. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at the local historical parks, or climb the steps to St Paul’s Church. Day 14 Depart Singapore Trip ends in Singapore around midday.

roAm BAnGkok to SInGApore

With three world class cities to explore, stunning beaches, cool hill stations, colourful and fun bazaars and all the spicy, yet delicious, street food you can handle. This journey gives you a great insight to a unique and diverse part of the world

14 Day • trIp code: aTRM • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Beaches of southern Thailand, Cameron Highlands

C H I N A

B U R M A


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA


Bangkok

Krabi

Penang

Cameron Highlands

SingaporeMelaka

Kuala Lumpur

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

T H A I L A N D




JUL 25 AUG 7AUG 8 AUG 21AUG 22 SEP 4SEP 5 SEP 18SEP 19 OCT 2

OCT 3 OCT 16OCT 17 OCT 30OCT 31 NOV 13NOV 14 NOV 27NOV 28 DEC 11

DEC 12 DEC 25DEC 26 JAN 82 0 1 0JAN 9 JAN 22JAN 23 FEB 5


14 Days Bangkok to singapore • Departs saturDays twice monthly, sat-Fri








chIAnG mAI & the Golden trIAnGle5 Day • trIp code: TaTGTC • trIp Style: Independent


Visit the fascinating city of Chiang Mai, “The Rose of the North”, a thriving metropolis with much of interest to visitors and a less hectic alternative to the capital. Explore ancient temples, ride on top of a gentle elephant and delve into Thai culture and traditions in lush, mountainous scenery. Visit indigenous hill tribe communities for a glimpse into their traditional lives, and then venture by boat to the threshold of three different countries; the Golden Triangle, the point where the borders of Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos meet.


chIAnG mAI hIlltrIBeS trek5 Day • trIp code: TaTHTN • trIp Style: Independent

Trek through the hills surrounding Chiang Mai and meet the various minority groups, know collectively as hill tribes, who have made their homes on these slopes. They have lived in peace and without modern conveniences for many years; a visit to these traditional communities is like travelling back to a simpler time. Learn about jungle food and the local way of life, and ride an elephant through the forest. After all that exertion, recline on a bamboo raft and float down the river, give the friendly locals a wave as you drift past them going about their daily lives.




chIAnG mAI cookInG School5 Day • trIp code: TaTCSC • trIp Style: Independent


Everyone loves to eat Thai food, but not everyone learns how to cook it from a real Thai chef! Learn the secrets of Thai cooking in Chiang Mai, the country’s culinary capital. Visit local markets to shop for the freshest ingredients and uncover the mysteries behind all your favourite exotic flavours and aromas. Enjoy demonstrations, hands-on classes, and great hints and tips to give your cooking an authentic feel. And of course there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some all important tasting sessions.


rIver kwAI & kAnchAnABurI4 Day • trIp code: TaTRKC • trIp Style: Independent

Take in the natural beauty and fascinating history of the riverside city of Kanchanaburi and its surrounding area. No trip to Thailand would be complete without seeing the Bridge over the River Kwai, immortalized in the famous novel and movie, and the legendary World War II Death Railway, so-called because of the great number of lives lost during its construction. Journey through jungle scenery along the Kwai River in a long-tailed boat, and pay a visit to the Kaeng Lava Cave to explore its stunning limestone formations.



Trekking, Northern Thailand



centrAl thAIlAnd eXperIence5 Day • trIp code: TaTCTC • trIp Style: Independent


Explore the streets and canals of Bangkok, drinking in the sights, sounds and smells of this buzzing metropolis, before venturing away from the city and deeper into Thai history and culture. Journey along the River Kwai to see its famous Bridge and learn of its sad history. From the Bridge on the River Kwai, to the ancient and picturesque capital city of Ayutthaya, be amazed at the history and beauty of an area so near to but so different from the chaotic capital.


phuket BeAch BreAk5 Day • trIp code: TaTPBC • trIp Style: Independent

Thailand’s largest and most visited island offers many beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing in the sun and swimming in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. For something a bit more active, Phuket has no shortage of options: there is great snorkelling and diving at the many nearby reefs, cooking courses, elephant riding and golf courses, not to mention a vibrant night life. Visitors are well catered for, but the island still retains its Thai charm. With all of its amenities and entertainment options Phuket has something for everyone!



BAnGkok to SInGApore By orIent eXpreSS5 Day • trIp code: TaTOES • trIp Style: Independent

Experience a panoramic view of the mystical landscapes of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The majesty and splendour of the Eastern & Orient Express, is a truly unique way to experience the full wonder of this remarkable region. This journey combines comfortable and elegant train compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service along with a true adventure through the heart of Asia.



rIce BArGe cruISe5 Day • trIp code: TaTRBN • trIp Style: Independent


Cruising up the Chao Praya River in a converted rice barge, waving to local children calling from the riverbanks - this is a journey that everyone should take at least once in their lifetime. Interact with local villagers and see them going about their everyday lives in markets and in their homes, and have the chance to test your culinary skills with some Thai cooking. The magnificent ancient temples and ruins of Ayutthaya await you at the conclusion of this epic journey.


kAyAk krABI5 Day • trIp code: TaTKKN • trIp Style: Independent

The stunning Krabi region of Thailand proudly boasts isolated islands and lagoons, gorgeous sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests, and world-class rock climbing. The whole region is largely coastal so take to the water for the perfect way to explore. Enjoy a guided boat tour before hitting the water under your own steam. Explore narrow inlets, secluded bays and ancient caves in your own kayak. See exotic birdlife, monkeys and giant monitor lizards by day and in the evening feast on the freshest of seafood down by the beach.



ko SAmuI BeAch BreAk5 Day • trIp code: TaTSBC • trIp Style: Independent

Just a short flight but a whole world away from Bangkok, Ko Samui is an island paradise surrounded by emerald seas, covered in coconut trees, fringed by white sandy beaches. Delve into the pulse of the island by visiting the bustling local markets or enjoy fine dining or a nightclub; Ko Samui has something for everyone. Take advantage of the numerous optional activities on offer, or choose to relax with a Thai massage, this beach break is a perfect pit stop for road-weary travellers or a great jumping off point for those new to Thailand.





Independent travel has just become a lot easier! iStyle tours allow total flexibility: you only choose activities that are of interest to you and your friends when you arrive in Bangkok. Just sit back, relax and let our experts make all the arrangements for you.

Remember, you can add your iStyle Tour to the beginning or end of another tour, just ask!

iStyle Tours:� Bangkok

iStyle tourSIncludes: 3, 4 or 5 nights accommodation as selected, 2, 3 or 4 daily tours, based on the number of nights, Arrival and departure transfers, Services of your Local G.A.P Adventures Experience Offi cer.

thAIlAnd iStyle

How does it work?

Step 1:� Choose your destinationPlanning on going to Thailand. A Bangkok iStyle tour is the perfect way to get the most out of this fascinating city and surrounding area.

Step 2:� Choose your durationWe offer 4, 5 or 6 day options, starting any day of the week, almost every day of the year!

Step 3:� Book Contact your Adventure Specialist to book your holiday!

Step 4:� Arrange your activities when you arriveUse the activity planner in the next column to choose your activities. Share your choices with your local G.A.P Adventures experience officer when you arrive in Bangkok to arrange your schedule.

eXcluSIve to G.A.p AdventureS

• All prices per person based on double occupancy. Ask for additoinal dates, single and triple pricing. Blackouts and surcharges may apply in peak seasons.• NOTE: All activities are subject to availability in destination.

Shop ‘til you Drop – Looking for the best deal or the best vendor in the city? Bangkok is a shopper’s mecca where you can find clothes, silk, jewelry and stunning woodcarvings for amazing prices. This is an opportunity to find the best deals and to shop where the locals do.

Thai massage & meditation - A visit to Thailand is not complete without a traditional Thai massage and some meditation tips. Enjoy a full day of Thai massage and basic meditation at one on Bangkok’s leading centres of learning.

Thai Language Class – What better way to immerse yourself in the Thai culture than to learn a few key words and phrases. A half-day course in basic Thai, will help do just that.

Thai Spa Visit – Rejuvenate your energy with a half-day ultimate body and face treatment. Enjoy a Bangkok Aroma Massage, followed by a light, relaxing facial massage, which soothes the skin and restores balance.

Thai Boxing match - Thai boxing is now a popular sport around the world and there is simply no better place to watch Thai boxing than in Thailand.

Thai Cooking Class with Local family – Join a Thai family as they shop for ingredients at the local market. Learn from the experts as they show you the joys of Thai wok cooking. Then have fun sharing the food you just prepared.

Choose from these activities:�

*Upgrade availableSee trip code TATBY4C • Visit our website for details



Temples & City Tour - Enthrall your senses with a visit to 3 of the most spectacular monasteries in Bangkok – the Marble Temple, Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Golden Buddha Temple.

Bangkok on a Shoestring - Discover Bangkok as a local. Follow your local guide on all sorts of public transportation. Explore the city from the old Rattanakosin island to a river-walking tour, from the bustling Silom street to Chinatown and the frantic markets of Bangkok.

Klong Tour – Travel by Klong boat along the canals of Bangkoks surprisingly rual western suburbs. Enjoy the natural scenery and observe the daily lives of the people who live along the canals.

Damnoen Saduak floating market – Take a boat cruise along the Damnoen Saduak Canal and witness the day to day activities of the families who live along the waterways. End your journey with a bit of shopping in the most colourful floating market in Thailand.

Cycling Ko Kret Countryside - Just a few kilometres from the bustle of central Bangkok, there is a tranquil side of the city that most visitors miss. Spend a relaxing day biking in the Bangkok countryside observing the traditional way of life that still survives in this surprisingly rural setting.

River Kwai – Walk through Kanchanaburi’s historic streets, past WW II monuments, through the war museum and over the Bridge over the River Kwai. Afterwards, take a short long-tailed boat ride along the Kwai Noi River.

Siam Niramit – Enjoy a truly spectacular performance and dinner that showcases the history, culture, traditions and mythology of Thailand. The show includes 3 elephants, streams, waterfalls, life-sized reproduction of Thai villages and a cast of hundreds of actors.

Thai Dinner and Dance - Enjoy a Thai dinner in an authentic Thai-style restaurant followed by a performance of classical and folk dancing.

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 55mAlAySIA, Borneo, IndoneSIA - ASIA


BAlI eXperIence5 Day • trIp code: TaEBLC • trIp Style: Independent


Spend five days exploring this tropical paradise. Travel from the south to the north of the ‘Island of the Gods’ that is Bali. Drive through stepped rice fields in different stages of growth, see artists at work in the cultural center of Ubud, and watch dolphins frolicking in the sea at sunrise in this fun filled journey.


BAlI BeAch BreAk5 Day • trIp code: TaEBBN • trIp Style: Independent

With stepped rice fields, a festival almost every day, and the scent of incense and frangipani wafting through the air, you are bound to fall in love with Bali. Chill out and unwind on this relaxing beach break and be as active (or as inactive!) as you want, with your pick of numerous optional activities. Enjoy the beaches, shop for unique souvenirs and handicrafts, or delve deeper into Balinese culture and traditions. Tanah Lot, a temple that sits atop a small offshore island, and the monkey forest, are just some of the sights not to be missed on any visit to this wondrous island.



Borneo SABAh wIldlIfe Adventure5 Day • trIp code: TaaBSN • trIp Style: Independent


Sabah, at the northern tip of Borneo, is a land rich in dense jungle, incredible wildlife and fascinating people. Explore Kota Kinabalu before venturing out to Turtle Islands, where you could be lucky enough to see newly hatched turtles released into the sea. Head back to the main island for an unforgettable trip to witness the “old men of the forest”; the endangered orang-utan is native to this part of the world and to see them in their natural habitat is both a pleasure and a privilege.


ouR INDEPENDENT TRIPS ARE foR THoSE WHo DoN’T WANT To foLLoW A fIXED GRouP ITINERARY.



Rice Terraces, Bali


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - Borneo

Orangutan, Borneo

ITINERARY AABB - Day 1 Kota Kinabalu - Arrive in Kota Kinabalu at any time. Day 2 mt Kinabalu National Park - Travel to the foothills of Mt Kinabalu. Explore the many trails and rest up for the big hike. Days 3-4 mt Kinabalu (2B,2L,D) - Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the mighty Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia. Find yourself with your head above the clouds whilst enjoying the sunrise over the South China Sea. Days 5-6 Kinabatangang River - Journey along the Kinabatangang river. Keep your eyes open for wild elephants, boar, otters, orangutans and other reclusive species on this unforgettable journey. Day 7 Sepilok orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre - Come face to face with the original ‘wild men of Borneo’, the orangutans. This centre is an excellent working example of active conservation, whose main focus is to re-introduce domesticated, injured and orphaned orangutans back into the wild. Day 8 Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu - Explore the former POW camp, infamously remembered for the ‘Sandakan Death Marches.’ Afterwards, move onto the lighter side of this historic town by going shopping along the bustling waterfront markets. Day 9 manukan Island /Koto Kinabalu - Today is a lazy day to rest & relax on Manukan Island. Snorkel, swim and explore the island, or just relax and soak up this tropical paradise. Day 10 Limbang - Climb aboard the express boat to Limbang. Take your time to explore the town before heading off to the jungle region of Mulu National Park. Day 11 Iban Long-house (B,L,D) - Head down the river on longtail boats to the Iban community. Interact with this fascinating indigineous

Included Highlights:� Entrance and climb and guide to Mt Kinabalu Park, Entrance to Sepilok Orang-utan Centre, Manukan Island, Entrance to Mulu and Bako National Parks.

BeSt of Borneo

Mountains, dense jungle, sandy beaches, caves, exotic wildlife encounters, headhunters and remote long house stays await you on this spectacular journey to Sabah and Sarawak. With tourism still in its infancy, you will certainly feel like you are a pioneer on this wonderful trip.

17 Day • trIp code: aaBB • trIp Style: clASSIc

tribe, learn about their way of life and maybe make some new friends while sharing some traditional rice wine. Day 12 Headhunters Trail - After saying farewell to our Iban hosts, trek through lowland forest along the headhunters trail. Days 13-14 mulu National Park - Explore some of the world’s largest caves and witness the incredible nightly phenomena, when millions of bats leave the entrance to Deer Cave in a mass exodus. Days 15-16 Kuching and Bako National Park - Fly south to Kuching, Malay for ‘cat’, Sarawak’s capital city. This charming laid-back city is full of things to see and do. Spend the rest of the day exploring the waterfront markets and pretty side streets. The following day, we head to Bako National Park, renowned for it’s secluded beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities. Day 17 Depart Kuching


ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (7 nts), Basic tribal villages (3 nts), National Park lodges/Mountain Hut (6 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, taxi, speedboat, longtail boat, fl ight, walking GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 3 Breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 Dinners BuDGET:� Allow USD230 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� It should be stressed that the nature of the accommodation when compared with other areas of SE Asia, is sometimes of a lower standard than normally provided on G.A.P Adventures trips. This is often due to the location and type of activities involved (ie high on a mountain and in remote jungle areas). Accommodation is always clean and usually makes up in character and location, what it might not provide in glamour and additional services. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Borneo - Sabah Adventure (AASA) and Borneo - Discover Sarawak (AADS) tours.

2 0 0 9JAN 4 JAN 20FEB 1 FEB 17FEB 22 MAR 10MAR 15 MAR 31

APR 5 APR 21APR 26 MAY 12MAY 17 JUN 2JUN 7 JUN 23JUN 28 JUL 14

JUL 19 AUG 4AUG 9 AUG 25AUG 30 SEP 15SEP 20 OCT 6OCT 11 OCT 27

NOV 1 NOV 17NOV 22 DEC 8DEC 13 DEC 292 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 19

JAN 24 FEB 9FEB 14 MAR 2MAR 7 MAR 23MAR 28 APR 13APR 18 MAY 4

MAY 9 MAY 25MAY 30 JUN 15JUN 20 JUL 6JUL 11 JUL 27AUG 1 AUG 17



17 Days kota kinaBalu (saBah) to kuching (sarawak) • Departs select sun, sun-tue

VIETNAM

C H I N A

B U R M A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

C A M B O D I A


SINGAPORE

Guam

S e r a m

KepulauanAru

KepulauanTaninbar

Bathurst I.

Melville I.

New Britain

Hainan

L u zo n

M i n d a n a o

Sulawesi

M O L U C C A S

Halmahera

BuruBelitung

S u m a t r a

Bali LombokSumbawa

Sumba

F l o r e s

Wetar

T i m o r

J a v a

Bangka

N O R T H E R N

M A R I A N A S

PALAU

ME

LA

NE

S

I

A

M I CR

ON

ES

I

A

MALAYSIA(SARAWAK)

MALAYSIA(SABAH)

BRUNEI

INDONESIA(KALIMANTAN)

B O R N E O

Kota Kinabalu

Limbang

Mulu N.P.Miri

Bako N.P.

Kuching

Mt.Kinabalu

Sepilok Orangutan Reserve

SandakanKinabatanganManukan Is.

* Want to see a little more of Malaysia?Add Taman Negara National Park or Cameron Highlands? See trip codes TAATNN, TAACHN


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 57Borneo - ASIA

ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (4 nts), Basic tribal villages (1 nt), National Park lodges (3 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, taxi, speedboat, longtail boat, fl ight, walking GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides mEALS INCLuDED:� Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Iban Longhouse and Camp BuDGET:� Allow USD110 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� It should be stressed that the nature of the accommodation when compared with other areas of SE Asia, is sometimes of a lower standard than normally provided on G.A.P Adventures trips. This is often due to the location and type of activities involved (ie high on a mountain and in remote jungle areas). Accommodation is always clean and usually makes up in character and location, what it might not provide in glamour and additional services. RECommENDATIoN:� Consider seeing more of Borneo with our ‘Best of Borneo’ trip - see code AABB.

ITINERARY AADS - Day 1 Arrive Kota Kinabalu - Arrive in Kota Kinabalu at any time. Day 2 Limbang - Climb aboard the express boat to Limbang. Spend some time to explore the town before heading off to the jungle region of Mulu National Park. Day 3 Iban Long-house (B,L,D) - Head down the river on longtail boats to the Iban community. Interact with this fascinating and very outgoing indigineous tribe, whilst learning about their way of life and maybe making new friends over some traditional rice wine. Day 4 Headhunters Trail - After saying farewell to our Iban hosts, trek through lowland forest along the headhunters trail. Day 5-6 mulu National Park - Explore some of the world’s largest caves and witness the incredible nightly phenomena, when millions of bats leave the entrance to Deer Cave in a mass exodus. Day 7-8 Kuching to Bako National Park - Fly south to Kuching, Malay for ‘cat’, Sarawak’s capital city. This charming laid-back city is full of things to see and do. Spend the rest of the day exploring the waterfront markets and pretty side streets. The following day, head to Bako National Park, renowned for it’s secluded beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities. Day 9 Depart Kuching

Borneo - dIScover SArAwAk

The enchanting state of Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, is endowed with the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystem. With ancient rainforest canopies housing the world’s largest flower you will be spellbound on this incredible journey. Stay with the local Iban communities and experience their unique way of life in a traditional longhouse.

9 Day • trIp code: aaDS • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Entrance and guide to Mulu and Bako National Parks

VIETNAM

C H I N A

B U R M A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

C A M B O D I A


SINGAPORE

Guam

S e r a m

KepulauanAru

KepulauanTaninbar

Bathurst I.

Melville I.

New Britain

Hainan

L u zo n

M i n d a n a o

Sulawesi

M O L U C C A S

Halmahera

BuruBelitung

S u m a t r a

Bali LombokSumbawa

Sumba

F l o r e s

Wetar

T i m o r

J a v a

Bangka

N O R T H E R N

M A R I A N A S

PALAU

ME

LA

NE

S

I

A

M I CR

ON

ES

I

A

MALAYSIA(SARAWAK)

MALAYSIA(SABAH)BRUNEI


B O R N E O

Kota KinabaluMt.Kinabalu

Limbang

Mulu N.P.Miri

Bako N.P.

Kuching

2 0 0 9JAN 12 JAN 20FEB 9 FEB 17MAR 2 MAR 10

MAR 23 MAR 31APR 13 APR 21MAY 4 MAY 12MAY 25 JUN 2

JUN 15 JUN 23JUL 6 JUL 14JUL 27 AUG 4AUG 17 AUG 25

SEP 7 SEP 15SEP 28 OCT 6OCT 19 OCT 27NOV 9 NOV 17

NOV 30 DEC 8DEC 21 DEC 292 0 1 0JAN 11 JAN 19

FEB 1 FEB 9FEB 22 MAR 2MAR 15 MAR 23APR 5 APR 13



9 Days kota kinaBalu (saBah) to kuching (sarawak) • Departs select mon, mon-tue


ACCommoDATIoN:� Guesthouses/hotels (4 nts), Basic jungle camp (2 nts), National Park lodges/Mountain Hut (3 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, taxi, speedboat, plane, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner(if climbing) BuDGET:� Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. NoTES:� It should be stressed that the nature of the accommodation when compared with other areas of SE Asia, is sometimes of a lower standard than normally provided on G.A.P Adventures trips. This is often due to the location and type of activities involved (ie high on a mountain and in remote jungle areas). Accommodation is always clean and usually makes up in character and location, what it might not provide in glamour and additional services.

ITINERARY AASA - Day 1 Arrive Kota Kinabalu - Arrive in Kota Kinabalu at any time. Day 2 mt Kinabalu National Park - Travel to the foothills of Mt Kinabalu. Explore the many trails and rest up for the big trek. Day 3-4 mt Kinabalu (2B,2L,D) - Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the mighty Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia. Find yourself with your head in the clouds while enjoying the sunrise over the South China Sea. Day 5-6 Kinabatangang River - Journey along the Kinabatangang River. Keep your eyes open for wild elephants, boar, otters, orangutans and other reclusive species in this out of world experience. Day 7 Sepilok orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Come face to face with the original ‘wild men of Borneo’, the lovely orangutans (meaning ‘man of the forest’). The centre is an excellent working example of active conservation, whose main focus is to re-introduce domesticated, injured and orphaned orangutans back into the wild. Day 8 Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu - Explore the former POW camp, infamously remembered for the ‘death marches of Sandakan.’ Afterwards, move to the lighter side of this historic town by going shopping along the bustling waterfront markets. Day 9 manukan Island - Today is a lazy day to relax on Manukan Island. It’s one of several islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park - go snorkelling and soak up this tropical paradise. The rest of the day is yours to wander around town and check out the shopping possibilities. Day 10 Depart Kota Kinabalu

Included Highlights:� Entrance permit and guide to Mt Kinabalu, Entrance to Sepilok Orangutan Centre.

Borneo - SABAh Adventure

Sabah is breathtaking! Climb Mt Kinabalu, come face to face with orangutans, bathe in the crystal clear sea and explore tribal villages in this action packed adventure.

10 Day • trIp code: aaSa • trIp Style: clASSIc

VIETNAM

C H I N A

B U R M A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

C A M B O D I A


SINGAPORE

Guam

S e r a m

KepulauanAru

KepulauanTaninbar

Bathurst I.

Melville I.

New Britain

Hainan

L u zo n

M i n d a n a o

Sulawesi

M O L U C C A S

Halmahera

BuruBelitung

S u m a t r a

Bali LombokSumbawa

Sumba

F l o r e s

Wetar

T i m o r

J a v a

Bangka

N O R T H E R N

M A R I A N A S

PALAU

ME

LA

NE

S

I

A

M I CR

ON

ES

I

A

MALAYSIA(SARAWAK)

MALAYSIA(SABAH)


B O R N E O

Kota Kinabalu

Mt.Kinabalu

Sepilok Orangutan Reserve

SandakanKinabatanganManukan Is.


APR 5 APR 14APR 26 MAY 5MAY 17 MAY 26JUN 7 JUN 16JUN 28 JUL 7

JUL 19 JUL 28AUG 9 AUG 18AUG 30 SEP 8SEP 20 SEP 29OCT 11 OCT 20

NOV 1 NOV 10NOV 22 DEC 1DEC 13 DEC 222 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 12

JAN 24 FEB 2FEB 14 FEB 23MAR 7 MAR 16MAR 28 APR 6APR 18 APR 27

MAY 9 MAY 18MAY 30 JUN 8JUN 20 JUN 29JUL 11 JUL 20AUG 1 AUG 10



10 Days ex kota kinaBalu • Departs select sunDays, sun-tue

Traditional Longhouse, Borneo

Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo




* Consider seeing more of Borneo!See our ‘Best of Borneo’ trip - trip code AABB


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - mAlAySIA, SInGApore

Melaka, Malaysia

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guest houses (13 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Private bus, boat, plane, walking GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Group leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included BuDGET:� Allow USD220 for meals not included RECommENDATIoN:� Want to see a little more of Malaysia? Why not add Taman Negara National Park or Cameron Highlands? See trip codes TAATNN, TAACHN. NoTES:� It should be stressed that the nature of the accommodation when compared with other areas of SE Asia, is sometimes of a lower standard than normally provided on G.A.P Adventures trips. This is often due to the location and type of activities involved (ie high on a mountain and in remote jungle areas). Accommodation is always clean and usually makes up in character and location, what it might not provide in glamour and additional services.

ITINERARY AAmB - Day 1 Kuala Lumpur - Arrive in Kuala Lumpur at any time. Day 2-3 Taman Negara National Park - Journey by river into pristine rainforest, perhaps the oldest in the world. Day 4-5 melaka - Chinese, Islamic and European cultures and traditions meld in one of southeast Asia’s most fascinating historic towns. Day 6-7 Singapore - An ultra modern city preserving traditional enclaves where every corner reveals the historic blending of culture, faith and flavour. Day 8 Kinabalu National Park - Enjoy the rain forest walks around the base of Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Day 9-10 Sandakan & Sepilok - Site of a notorious Japanese POW camp Sandakan is an attractive harbour side town and gateway to the unforgettable Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Day 11-12 Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei’s capital is an intoxicating blend of stilt villages and frenetic river traffic, gilt-clad mosques and opulent palaces. Day 13 Kuala Lumpur - Return to Kuala Lumpur for a final night exploring the temples and tastes of Chinatown. Day 14 Depart Kuala Lumpur

Included Highlights:� Taman Negara National park, Kinabalu National Park, Sepilkok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

BeSt of mAlAySIA ,SInGApore & Borneo

A kaleidoscopic journey through the Malay peninsula and across north Borneo revealing the complex multicultural heritage of the region - Malay, Chinese, Indian, European, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and animist. Revel in the stunning natural beauty of primeval rainforests and exotic wildlife - including the incomparable Orangutan.

14 Day • trIp code: aaMB • trIp Style: clASSIc

VIETNAM

C H I N A

B U R M A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

C A M B O D I A


Guam

S e r a m

KepulauanAru

KepulauanTaninbar

Bathurst I.

Melville I.

New Britain

Hainan

L u zo n

M i n d a n a o

Sulawesi

M O L U C C A S

Halmahera

BuruBelitung

S u m a t r a

Bali LombokSumbawa

Sumba

F l o r e s

Wetar

T i m o r

J a v a

Bangka

N O R T H E R N

M A R I A N A S

PALAU

ME

LA

NE

S

I

A

M I CR

ON

ES

I

A

MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA(SABAH)BRUNEI


B O R N E O

Kota Kinabalu

Bandar Seri Begawan

Singapore

Melaka

Kuala Lumpur

Taman Negara NP

Kinabalu N.P. Sandakan

2 0 0 9FEB 22 MAR 7MAR 8 MAR 21APR 5 APR 18MAY 10 MAY 23

JUN 14 JUN 27JUL 5 JUL 18AUG 9 AUG 22SEP 6 SEP 19SEP 20 OCT 3

OCT 4 OCT 17OCT 18 OCT 31NOV 1 NOV 14NOV 15 NOV 28NOV 29 DEC 12


FEB 7 FEB 20FEB 21 MAR 6MAR 7 MAR 20MAR 21 APR 3APR 4 APR 17

APR 18 MAY 1MAY 2 MAY 15MAY 16 MAY 29MAY 30 JUN 12JUN 13 JUN 26



14 Days ex. kuala lumpur • Departs sunDays monthly, sun-sat



ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple bungalows (2 nts), Hotels/guest houses (11 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt) TRANSPoRT:� Train, local bus, minibus, ferry, songthaew, taxi, trishaw GRouP SIZE:� Max 15. Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� No meals included. BuDGET:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� Add another country to your trip by combining our Discover Cambodia trip - code AKDC

ITINERARY AGCA - Day 1 Arrive Singapore - Arrive in Singapore at any time. Day 2 melaka - Melaka is a cultural mosaic - its rich history ever apparent in its unique collection of Islamic mosques, Chinese temples, Portuguese architecture and fascinating museums. Try the local Nyonya cuisine, flavoured with an interesting mix of Chinese and Malay influences. Day 3-4 Kuala Lumpur - No image calls to mind Kuala Lumpur quite like the awe-inspiring Petronas Towers. Enjoy a half-day tour of the city. Day 5-6 Cameron Highlands - We head for the Cameron Highlands, one of Malaysia’s most famous hill stations surrounded by tea plantations and strawberry fields. The cooler weather is perfect for a relaxing walk through the cloud covered forest. Day 7-8 Penang - Hire a bicycle rickshaw to meander the streets of Georgetown, soaking up the old Chinese atmosphere. Sample the variety of Chinese, Malay and Indian street foods, explore colourful night markets and catch the funicular railway up Penang Hill for stunning mainland views. Day 9 Nakhon Si Thammarat - It’s a long day of travel into the land of smiles, but well worth it. Watch the famous shadow puppets come to life, walk around the the biggest ‘wat’ in southern Thailand. Day 10-12 Ko Samui - Swim and snorkel azure waters to your heart’s content, take a cooking class, learn to dive or just lay back under the palms and let the sea breeze wash over you. Day 13 overnight train - Some shopping might be on the agenda for this morning before jumping on a ferry and catching the overnight train back to Bangkok. Day 14 Bangkok - An early arrival into Bangkok leaves plenty of time to get to know this glittering capital, with our hotel offering a perfect base for discovering Khao San Road. Glide through the maze of ‘khlongs’ on a longtail boat and visit the impressively decorated Wat Pho. Day 15 Depart Bangkok

Included Highlights:� Trishaw ride in Melaka, Half day tour of Kuala Lumpur, Waterfall trek, Ang Thong Marine Park visit (substituted with a round-island tour if there’s bad weather), Bangkok canal tour, Entrance and guide to Wat Pho

colourS of ASIA

Exciting capital cities, traditional culture and tropical natural wonders - this trip is spiced with all the flavour you would expect in these exotic regions. Filled with golden temples and saffron-robed monks, soft white beaches and blue skies, tantalizing seafood and some of the world’s best shopping spots, the Malay Peninsula beckons with its delights and warm hospitality.

15 Day • trIp code: aGCa • trIp Style: clASSIc


A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA


Bangkok

Koh Samui

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Penang

Cameron Highlands

SingaporeMelaka

Kuala Lumpur

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

T H A I L A N D

2 0 0 9JAN 25 FEB 8FEB 8 FEB 22FEB 22 MAR 8MAR 8 MAR 22

MAR 22 APR 5APR 5 APR 19APR 19 MAY 3MAY 3 MAY 17MAY 17 MAY 31

MAY 31 JUN 14JUN 14 JUN 28JUN 28 JUL 12JUL 12 JUL 26JUL 26 AUG 9


OCT 18 NOV 1NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 15 NOV 29NOV 29 DEC 13DEC 13 DEC 27

DEC 27 JAN 102 0 1 0JAN 10 JAN 24JAN 24 FEB 7FEB 7 FEB 21



15 Days singapore to Bangkok • Departs sunDays twice monthly, sun-sun



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 59IndoneSIA - ASIA

Temple, Bali

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/simple guesthouses (7 nts), Camping tents (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, walking, ferry, private boats. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 7 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner. BuDGET:� Allow USD125 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

ITINERARY AEDL - Day 1 Arrive ubud - Arrive in Ubud at any time. Day 2 Senaru (B) - Today we depart Bali and head for the island of Lombok. Upon arrival in Senaru we’ll be briefed on our trek up Gunung Rijani. Day 3-4 Gunung Rinjani Trek (2B,2L,1D) - A trek up the slopes of Rinjani will bring us close to the rim of the volcano where we will spend the night under the stars. After trekking down on the second day, we continue to Senggigi for our last night on Lombok’s mainland. Day 5-7 Gili Islands (3B) - Arriving by carts to the beach, our waiting boat will take us to the marvelous Gili Islands. We have two days to relax on these beautiful and isolated islands. Day 8 Sanur Beach (B) - Today we head back to Bali and Sanur beach for our last night. Day 9 Depart Sanur Beach

dIScover lomBok

Situated a short distance from Bali but frequented by only a small number of tourists, Lombok is a world away from busy Bali. Trek up the amazing Gunung Rinjani, a still active volcano, swim and snorkel among amazing coral reefs surrounding tiny islands, and visit local markets and villages in this island adventure.

9 Day • trIp code: aEDL • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Guided trek up Mt Rinjani

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Ubud

Sanur

Gili Meno

Senggigi

Senaru

I N D O N E S I A

J A V A

B A L I

L O M B O K


APR 11 APR 19MAY 16 MAY 24JUN 20 JUN 28JUL 11 JUL 19AUG 15 AUG 23


NOV 21 NOV 29DEC 5 DEC 13DEC 19 DEC 272 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 10

JAN 16 JAN 24JAN 30 FEB 7FEB 13 FEB 21FEB 27 MAR 7MAR 13 MAR 21




9 Days uBuD to sanur • Departs select saturDays, sat-sun


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/simple guesthouses (7 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 7 Breakfast BuDGET:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. RECommENDATIoN:� If you have the extra time, head to Lombok too! Check out trip code AEBL.

ITINERARY AEBA - Day 1 Arrive Sanur Beach - Arrive in Sanur Beach at any time. Day 2 ubud - Ubud is the cultural centre of Balinese life. There will be time to explore the nearby Monkey Forest, temples, rice paddies, and the famous art and craft market in the centre of town. Day 3-4 Lovina - Drive towards Bali’s northern coast via the temples of Taman Ayun and pass through some of the most stunning scenery. In Lovina you can start your day with a sunrise dolphin cruise. There is also plenty of time to head to Menjangan Island to spend the day swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Day 5 Kintamani - We leave the coast and ascend the scenic slopes of Gunung Batur. Our guesthouse sits at 1500m in the town of Kintamani. Day 6 Padangbai - Awake early for an optional sunrise trek on Mt Batur before departing for Padangbai, a coastal village with beautiful beaches all around. En route, we’ll stop at Besakih temple and Klungkung museum. Day 7 ubud - We’ll complete our loop of Bali by returning to Ubud where you’ll have a chance for some last minute shopping and exploring before our farewell dinner. Day 8 Depart ubud

Included Highlights:� Lovina boat cruise, Besakih temple, Klungkung museum

BAlI Adventure

Bali, Island of the Gods, has beautiful beaches perfect for surfing, snorkelling and swimming. Take an early morning boat trip and spot the local dolphins, climb Mt Batur, an active volcano and watch the sunrise from the top of the world. With excellent food, artists, and an island steeped in culture, Bali is truly an unforgettable experience.

8 Day • trIp code: aEBa • trIp Style: clASSIc

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LovinaKintamani

Candi DasaUbud

Sanur

I N D O N E S I A

B A L I

L O M B O K



SEP 6 SEP 13SEP 20 SEP 27OCT 4 OCT 11OCT 18 OCT 25NOV 1 NOV 8

NOV 15 NOV 22NOV 29 DEC 6DEC 13 DEC 20DEC 27 JAN 32 0 1 0

JAN 10 JAN 17JAN 24 JAN 31FEB 7 FEB 14FEB 21 FEB 28MAR 7 MAR 14

MAR 21 MAR 28APR 4 APR 11APR 18 APR 25MAY 2 MAY 9MAY 16 MAY 23



8 Days sanur to uBuD • Departs select sunDyas, sun-sun



* Why not check out Bali too?See trip code AEBL • Visit our website for details



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.ASIA - IndoneSIA

Indonesian Archipelago

ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/simple guesthouses (13 nts), Camping tents (1 nt). TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, walking, ferry, private boats. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. mEALS INCLuDED:� 14 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner. BuDGET:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. ComBINATIoN:� This trip combines our Bali Adventure (AEBA) and Discover Lombok tours (AEDL). RECommENDATIoN:� Can’t get enough of the beaches of Indonesia? Why not add some more Island hopping, see trip code AEFL

ITINERARY AEBL - Day 1 Arrive Sanur Beach - Arrive in Sanur Beach at any time. Day 2 ubud - Ubud is the cultural centre of Balinese life. There will be time to explore the nearby Monkey Forest, temples, rice paddies, and the famous markets in the centre of town. Day 3-4 Lovina - Drive towards Bali’s northern coast via the temple of Taman Ayun. In Lovina, you can start your day with a sunrise dolphin cruise. There is also plenty of time to head to Menjangan Island for some fantastic snorkelling or diving. Day 5 Kintamani - Leave the coast and ascend the scenic slopes of Gunung Batur. Our guesthouse sits at 1500m in the town of Kintamani. Day 6 Padangbai - Wake up at around 3am for an optional sunrise trek on Mt Batur. See the sun rise above the clouds as you sip tea on top of the world. After descending, head towards Padangbai, a coastal village with beautiful beaches all around. En route, stop at Besakih temple and Klungkung museum. Day 7 ubud - Complete your loop of Bali by returning to Ubud for a chance for more shopping and exploring. Day 8 Senaru - Today we depart Bali and head for the island of Lombok. Upon arrival in Senaru we’ll be briefed on our trek up Gunung Rijani. Day 9-10 Gunung Rinjani Trek (2B,2L,D) - A trek up the slopes of Rinjani will bring us close to the rim of the volcano where we will spend the night under the stars. After trekking down on the second day, we continue to Senggigi for our last night on Lombok’s mainland. Day 11-13 Gili Islands (3B) - Arriving by carts to the beach, our waiting boat will take us to the marvelous Gili Islands. We have two days to relax on these beautiful and isolated islands. Day 14 Sanur Beach (B) - Today we transfer back to Bali and Sanur beach for our last night. Day 15 Depart Sanur Beach

BeSt of BAlI And lomBok

Just across the sea from each other, but at the same time worlds apart, Bali and Lombok are both beautiful islands in their own unique way. Bubbling volcanoes, amazing snorkelling opportunities, bustling local markets and tiny idyllic islands await you in this 15-day adventure.

15 Day • trIp code: aEBL • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Lovina boat cruise, Besakih temple, Klungkung museum, Guided trek up Mt Rinjani

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MALAYSIA(SARAWAK)

MALAYSIA(SABAH)

BRUNEI

I N D O N E S I A

B A L I

L O M B O K

LovinaKintamani

Candi DasaUbud

Sanur

Gili Meno

Senggigi

Senaru

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15 Days ex sanur Beach • Departs select sunDays, sun-sun


ACCommoDATIoN:� Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts) TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, fl ight, boat, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� 2 Breakfasts BuDGET:� Allow USD190 for meals not included. For additional expenses see trip details.

ITINERARY AEHH - Day 1 Arrive Sanur Beach - Arrive in Sanur Beach at any time. Day 2 maumere (B) - Fly to Maumere on the north coast of Flores - centre of the Sikkanese language and culture. Day 3 Detusoko - Traditional houses and villages where women preserve traditional weaving techniques are highlights on the drive to Detusoko. Day 4-5 Kelimutu & Riung - Colourful lakes fi ll the craters of Kelimutu - one of the most spectacular sights in the region. We also visit the fi shing village of Riung, a Bugis community of stilt houses, which edges islands with white sand beaches and pristine reefs. Day 6-7 Bajawa - Bajawa, surrounded by forests and volcanic hills, is the trading centre of the Ngada people. Enjoy a full day with a variety of options including hot springs or the Wawo Muda volcano. Day 8 Ruteng - Ruteng is a hill town surrounded by stark, forested volcanic hills and rolling rice-paddy plains. It is the meeting point for the hill people of western Flores. Day 9 Labuhan Bajo - Outrigger fi shing boats fi ll the harbor of this picturesque fi shing village at the tip of Flores. Succulent seafood in harbor-side restaurants is not to be missed. Days 10-11 Rinca & Komodo - Desolate yet beautiful, the islands of Komodo and Rinca are home to the legendary dragon. Day 12 Sansur Beach - Fly back to Bali for a fi nal relaxing day on the beach. Day 13 Depart Sanur Beach (B)

Included Highlights:� Komodo National Park

IndoneSIA ISlAnd hoppInG

Enter a verdant, volcanic realm rich in indigenous cultures, stunning landscapes, luminescent crater kales, idyllic beaches and islands. Nearby Rinca and Komodo are home to the famous Komodo dragon.

13 Day • trIp code: aEHH • trIp Style: clASSIc

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L O M B O K

I N D O N E S I A

J A V A

B A L I

S U M B A W A

F L O R E S

Sanur

Riung

Ruteng BajawaMaumere

Komodo Is.

Bima Labuhanbajo

Rinca Is.

2 0 0 9MAR 1 MAR 13APR 12 APR 24JUN 21 JUL 3AUG 16 AUG 28

SEP 27 OCT 9OCT 25 NOV 6NOV 22 DEC 4DEC 20 JAN 12 0 1 0

JAN 17 JAN 29FEB 14 FEB 26MAR 14 MAR 26APR 11 APR 23MAY 9 MAY 21

JUN 6 JUN 18JUL 4 JUL 16AUG 1 AUG 13AUG 29 SEP 10SEP 26 OCT 8

OCT 24 NOV 5NOV 21 DEC 3DEC 19 DEC 31



13 Days ex sanur Beach • Departs select sunDays, sun-Fri



* Want to see Borneo too?Add Borneo Sabah Wildlife Adventure before or after this trip. See trip code TAABSN

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holidaysurcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 61IndoneSIA - ASIA

ACCommoDATIoN:� Simple hotels (7 nts), Village homestay (7 nts). TRANSPoRT:� Mini-bus, local bus, flight, walking. GRouP SIZE:� Max 15, Avg 10 GRouP LEADER:� Tour leader throughout. mEALS INCLuDED:� Breakfast daily. All meals while trekking (days 5-11) BuDGET:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses see trip details. NoTES:�This trip ends in Denpasar around midday.

ITINERARY AEWP - Day 1 Arrive Sanur Beach, Bali - Arrive in Sanur Beach at any time. Day 2-3 Sentani, West Papua (2B) - Enjoy a beautifully dramatic introduction to Papua. A huge wall of vegetation called the Cyclops sits majestically above Lake Sentani and makes for a stunning backdrop to the clear waters. Day 4 Wamena (B) - Fly to Wamena which is the base for our trek into the Baliem Valley. Day 5-11 Baliem Valley Trek (7B,7L,7D) - Trek into the world of the Dani and other local tribes. The Valley is incredibly lush and fertile and is surrounded on all sides by towering peaks of 2,500 to 3,000 meters. Day 12 Sogokmo - Wamena (B) - Today is the last day of the trek. Return to Wamena to relax after all of your hard work. Day 13 Sentani (B) - A short but scenic flight brings us back to the starting point of Sentani for a hot shower and soft bed. Day 14 Sanur Beach, Bali (B) - Return back to Bali to pick up any last minute souvenirs. Day 15 Depart Sanur Beach (B)

weSt pApuA

One of the world’s last wild places - a land of rugged mountains, impenetrable forests, and tribal minorities. Trek into the Baliem Valley then relax on pristine tropical islands and beaches.

15 Day • trIp code: aEWP • trIp Style: clASSIc

Included Highlights:� Sanur Beach, Sentani lake, Baliem Valley trek, Pulau Biak

VIETNAM

C H I N A

B U R M A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

P A P U A N E W G U I N E A

A U S T R A L I A

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES


VANUATU

NEWCALEDONIA

C A M B O D I A


Guam

New Britain

Hainan

L u zo n

M i n d a n a o

Belitung

Bali

Bangka

N O R T H E R N

M A R I A N A S

PALAU

ME

LA

NE

S

I

A

M I CR

ON

ES

I

A

I N D O N E S I A(IRIAN JAYA)

I N D O N E S I ADenpasar

Wamena

Jayapura

Sanur

2 0 0 9MAR 15 MAR 29MAY 17 MAY 31JUL 12 JUL 26

SEP 13 SEP 27OCT 11 OCT 25NOV 8 NOV 22DEC 6 DEC 20

2 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 28 MAR 14

MAR 28 APR 11APR 25 MAY 9MAY 23 JUN 6JUN 20 JUL 4

JUL 18 AUG 1AUG 15 AUG 29SEP 12 SEP 26OCT 10 OCT 24

NOV 7 NOV 21DEC 5 DEC 19



15 Days sanur Beach to Denpasar • Departs select sunDays, sun-sun


Dani Warrior, Irian Jaya


If you’re looking for peace of mind, find the the trips labelled with the “GUARANTEED” stamp. This means

that your departure is guaranteed to run once you have booked on it. For more information on guaranteed departures, check out our website or ask a trusted travel agent.

100% Guarantee

d


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - japan

Mt. Fuji, Japan

N O R T H

K O R E A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

Tokyo

Mt Fuji

Takayama

Hiroshima

Himeji

Nagasaki

Miyajima

Kyoto

itinerArY AJdJ - day 1 Arrive tokyo - Arrive in Tokyo at any time. day 2-3 takayama (d) - Nestled in the mountains, this town retains an old charm nurtured by its ryokans, sake breweries and craft shops. day 4-5 Hiroshima - Don’t miss a visit to the Peace Park, the famous Torii Gate, and, after a short ferry ride, Miyajima Island – the Island of Shrines. day 6-7 nagasaki - A thriving center for Western trade and culture. Feeling brave? Try the local specialty Fugu, or blowfi sh, for lunch. day 8-10 Himeji - Kyoto - The centre of artistic and cultural history in Japan, Kyoto will leave you breathless with its temples, gardens and traditional courtyards. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a geisha popping into a teahouse in the narrow alleyways of Gion. day 11-12 mt. fuji region - Kawaguchiko (B,d) - Spend the night at the base of one of the most famous mountains in the world. Get lost in the throngs of pilgrims, families and school groups who come to make the ascent. day 13 tokyo - Take part in some last minute shopping for high tech gadgets upon your return to this exciting city. day 14 depart tokyo

included Highlights:� 14 Day Japan Rail Pass, Hida Folk Village, Takayama, Himeji Castle entry, Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle entry, Ryoan Ji Temple entry, Excursion to Miyajima Island, Mt Fuji climb (during climbing season only)

discovEr japan

Japan is an intricate blend of East and West. Delve into this society with its deep traditions and customs and find a nation that leads the world in innovation, style and progress.

14 Day • trip codE: aJDJ • trip stylE: classic

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AccommodAtion:� Hotels (9 nts), Traditional inns and onsen spas (4 nts). trAnsport:� Local bus, bullet train, tram, taxis, ferry, walking. Group size:� Max 14, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Breakfast, 2 Dinner. BudGet:� Allow USD400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� MT. FUJI CLIMBING SEASON is as follows. From July 1 - August 27: Groups will spend 1 night in Kawaguchiko and 1 night on Mt Fuji in simple guesthouse accommodation and can climb to the top. From May 1-Jun 30/Aug 28-Nov 1: Groups will spend 2 nights in Kawaguchiko and drive to Station 5 and hike down the mountain (not up!) From Nov 2 - April 30: It is not possible to climb Mt Fuji as buses do not run up the mountain. Trips will spend 2 days in Kawaguchiko and do walks around the 5 lake region.


14 DaYs eX toKYo • Departs MonDaYs WeeKlY (Mar-DeC), Mon-sun

Peace Memorial, Hiroshima


*Japan Rail Pass now included

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 63japan - asia

N O R T H

K O R E A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

Tokyo

Mt Fuji

Koya-sanHiroshima

Osaka

Himeji Kyoto

N O R T H

K O R E A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

Tokyo

Mt Fuji

Koya-sanHiroshima

Osaka

Himeji Kyoto

itinerArY AJJt - day 1 Arrive tokyo - Arrive in Tokyo at any time. day 2 Hakone and mt fuji (B,d) - View the imposing Mt Fuji, cruise across Lake Ashino-ko, or enjoy picturesque views of the region on a cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the chance to soak in an outdoor ‘onsen’, while food lovers might want to try a sulphur-boiled egg. day 3-4 Kyoto - The traditional heart of Japan - temples and teahouses, shrines and shops, and maybe even geisha! day 5-6 Himeji & Hiroshima - Visit the fabled Samurai castle of Himeji and on to Hiroshima - rebuilt into a truly cosmopolitan city. Nearby beautiful Miyajima island offers one of Japan’s most iconic scenes. day 7 Koyasan (B,d) - Visit a religious centre based on the top of the 800m Mt Koya. On the mountain stay in shukubo (temple lodgings run by monks), eat shojin-ryori (vegetarian meals) and discover what a monk’s life is really like! day 8 osaka - Osaka is a vibrant, modern city and has many attractions as well as some great shopping. day 9 depart osaka

itinerArY AJJr - day 1 Arrive osaka - Known as “Japan’s kitchen”, what Osaka lacks in beauty it makes up for in food, fun, and friendly locals. day 2 Koyasan (B,d) - Live, eat, sleep, and pray like a monk at this amazing religious centre based on the top of the 800m Mt Koya. day 3-4 Himeji & Hiroshima - Visit the fabled Samurai castle of Himeji and on to Hiroshima - rebuilt into a truly cosmopolitan city. Nearby beautiful Miyajima island offers one of Japan’s most iconic scenes. day 5-6 Kyoto - The traditional heart of Japan - temples and teahouses, shrines and shops, and maybe even geisha! day 7 Hakone and mt fuji (B,d) - View the imposing Mt Fuji, cruise across Lake Ashino-ko, or enjoy picturesque views of the region on a cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the chance to soak in an outdoor ‘onsen’, while food-lovers might want to try a sulphur-boiled egg. day 8 tokyo - Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most modern cities in the world. However, if you look under the glossy surface, Tokyo is still very traditional. day 9 depart tokyo

included Highlights:� 7 Day Japan Rail Pass, Himeji Castle entry, Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle entry, Ryoan Ji Temple entry, Excursion to Miyajima Island, Mt Fuji views

included Highlights:� 7 day Japan Rail pass, Himeji Castle entry, Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle entry, Ryoan Ji Temple entry, Excursion to Miyajima Island,Mt Fuji views

japan EXprEss: tokyo to osaka japan EXprEss: osaka to tokyo

A compact trip of Japan. Discover the modern city of Tokyo, sip on sake in Osaka and explore Koyasan, home of Japanese Buddhism. Experience Mt Fuji up close and personal and watch the sun go down over the Torii Gates of Miyajima.

Sip on sake in Osaka, and have a true religious experience in Koyasan, Japan’s home of Buddhism. Step into the rebuilt city of Hiroshima and watch the Toyo Carp baseball team belt it out in the local stadium. Experience Mt Fuji close up and personal, and scratch the surface of shiny Tokyo on the Japan Express

9 Day • trip codE: aJJT • trip stylE: classic 9 Day • trip codE: aJJR • trip stylE: classic

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AccommodAtion:� Hotels (6 nts), Mountain monastery (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt). trAnsport:� Taxi, bullet train, subway. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (6 nts), Mountain monastery (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt). trAnsport:� Taxi, bullet train, subway. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Interested in more Ancient Empires? You can add our China Express trip to this one, take a look at trip code ACCJ.

2 0 0 9MAR 7 MAR 15MAR 21 MAR 29APR 4 APR 12APR 18 APR 26

MAY 2 MAY 10MAY 16 MAY 24MAY 30 JUN 7JUN 13 JUN 21JUN 27 JUL 5

JUL 11 JUL 19JUL 25 AUG 2AUG 8 AUG 16AUG 22 AUG 30SEP 5 SEP 13

SEP 19 SEP 27OCT 3 OCT 11OCT 17 OCT 25OCT 31 NOV 8NOV 14 NOV 22

NOV 28 DEC 62 0 1 0MAR 6 MAR 14MAR 20 MAR 28APR 3 APR 11

APR 17 APR 25MAY 1 MAY 9MAY 15 MAY 23MAY 29 JUN 6JUN 12 JUN 20

2 0 0 9MAR 16 MAR 24MAR 30 APR 07APR 13 APR 21APR 27 MAY 05

MAY 11 MAY 19MAY 25 JUN 02JUN 08 JUN 16JUN 22 JUN 30JUL 06 JUL 14

JUL 20 JUL 28AUG 03 AUG 11AUG 17 AUG 25AUG 31 SEP 08SEP 14 SEP 22


DEC 07 DEC 152 0 1 0 MAR 15 MAR 23MAR 29 APR 06APR 12 APR 20

APR 26 MAY 04MAY 10 MAY 18MAY 24 JUN 01JUN 07 JUN 15JUN 21 JUN 27

start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish start finish


9 DaYs toKYo to osaKa • Departs saturDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), sat-sun 9 DaYs osaKa to toKYo • Departs MonDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-DeC), Mon-tue


Inari Shrine, Kyoto

*Japan Rail Pass now included *Japan Rail Pass now included




& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - japan

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guesthouses (13 nts). trAnsport:� Taxis, bikes, rafts, trains, local buses. Group size:� Max 14, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD420 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AJHB - day 1 Arrive tokyo - Arrive in Tokyo at any time. day 2-3 iya valley - From bustling Tokyo we head to the remote Iya Valley on Shikoku Island. The best way to see Iya’s amazing Oboke Gorge is by boat – or in a raft, as this is one of the best White Water Rafting spots in Japan! day 4-5 Kurashiki - We get a glimpse of old Japan at Kuarashiki, a picturesque town in central Japan which has retained much of its old world charm with beautifully preserved black and white walled merchants’ homes and storehouses. An amazing bike ride takes us through the Kibi Plains, surrounded by bamboo forests and ancient burial grounds. day 6-7 mt. Aso - Sitting inside the world’s largest caldera, this small town is a great base for our journey up to one of Japan’s most infamous active volcano. Dare to look over the edge and get a glimpse of bubbling lava - weather (and courage) permitting! day 8-10 Kyoto - Spend three nights in the traditional heart of Japan, which gives you plenty of time to experience some of the many great walks through temples and teahouses, shrines and shops, and maybe even spot a real life geisha! day 11-12 Hakuba - From culture to nature, head deep into the magnifi cent Japanese Alps for some outdoor fun – canoeing or kayaking, mountain biking or trekking, the choice is yours! day 13 tokyo - Head back to Tokyo for our farewell dinner. day 14 depart tokyo

included Highlights:� 14 Day Japan Rail Pass, Rafting Oboke Gorge, Kipi Plains Bike Ride, Mt Aso Excursion, Kyoto temple tour, Hakuba activities

japan hikE, bikE and raft

Known just as much for its high tech gadgets as its centuries old traditions, Japan is blessed with some of the most pristine scenery in Asia. With beautiful rivers, lakes and mountains, Japan really is the perfect place for a multi-sport adventure!

14 Day • trip codE: aJHB • trip stylE: activEN O R T H

K O R E A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

Tokyo

Iya ValleyMt. Aso

Kurashiki

Hakuba

Kyoto

2 0 0 9MAR 14 MAR 27APR 25 MAY 8MAY 9 MAY 22

JUN 20 JUL 3JUL 4 JUL 17AUG 15 AUG 28AUG 29 SEP 11

SEP 12 SEP 25OCT 24 NOV 62 0 1 0MAR 27 APR 9

APR 24 MAY 7MAY 22 JUN 4JUN 19 JUL 2JUL 17 JUL 30

AUG 14 AUG 27SEP 11 SEP 24OCT 9 OCT 22NOV 6 NOV 19



14 DaYs eX toKYo • Departs saturDaYs MontHlY (Mar-oCt), sat-Fri

Waterfall, Japan


AccommodAtion:� Hotels and Hotspring resorts (13 nts). trAnsport:� Taxis, bullet trains, local trains, ferry, bikes (optional). Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner. BudGet:� Allow USD420 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Looking to spend a little more time in Tokyo and area? Why not add Around Tokyo extension? Check out trip code TAJATC

itinerArY AJmo - day 1 Arrive tokyo - Arrive in Tokyo at any time. day 2 nagano - Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano has the historic Zenkoji Temple, and the world famous Jigokudani Monkey Hot Springs, where you can watch wild snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. day 3-4 Yuzawa onsen - Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the surrounding mountains created a winter sports paradise, as well as being one of Japan’s largest hot spring resorts. day 5 Koyasan (B,d) - Live, eat, sleep, and pray like a monk at this amazing religious centre based on the top of the 800m Mt Koya. day 6-7 matsuyama - Located in rural Shikoku island, Matsuyama is home to Japan’s oldest onsen, Dogo Onsen, as well as the impressive Matsuyama Castle. day 8-9 Beppu (2B) - One of the world’s most geothermally active regions, Beppu is Japan’s premier onsen resort. day 10-12 Kyoto - Experience the great temples, teahouses, shrines and shops as you walk through this former Japanese capital. day 13 tokyo - The modern city of Tokyo is littered with reminders of ancient times. The Imperial Palace and Shinto Meiji Shrine are just a few of the incredible sights in this capital city. day 14 depart tokyo

included Highlights:� 14 Day Japan Rail PassJigokudani Monkey Hot Springs, Yuzawa Hot springs, Matsuyama castle, Dogo Onsen, Kyoto Gardens & Temples

japan mountains and hotsprings

With hot springs, mountains and cozy tea houses, immerse yourself into the cool culture of Japan. Watch monkeys bathing in hot springs, see the oldest castle in the country, pop into the comedy capital, Kyoto, and shop in modern malls situated alongside ancient temples in Tokyo. This trip has it all!

14 Day • trip codE: aJMO • trip stylE: classic

N O R T H

K O R E A

C H I N A

R U S S I A

Tokyo

Nagano

Matsuyama

Yuzawa Onsen

Beppu

Kyoto

Koyasan

2 0 0 9FEB 14 FEB 27FEB 28 MAR 13MAR 28 APR 10

APR 11 APR 24MAY 23 JUN 5JUN 6 JUN 19JUL 18 JUL 31

AUG 1 AUG 14SEP 26 OCT 9OCT 10 OCT 23NOV 21 DEC 4

2 0 1 0APR 10 APR 23MAY 8 MAY 21JUN 5 JUN 18

JUL 3 JUL 16JUL 31 AUG 13AUG 28 SEP 10SEP 25 OCT 8

OCT 23 NOV 5NOV 20 DEC 3



14 DaYs eX toKYo • Departs saturDaYs MontHlY (FeB-nov), sat-Fri

Monkey Hot Springs, Nagano






For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 65japan, korEa - asia

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (10 nts), Traditional inns and onsen spas (4 nts). trAnsport:� Bus, bullet train, train, tram, taxis, ferry, hydrofoil, walking. Group size:� Max 14, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Breakfast, 2 Dinners. BudGet:� Allow USD400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AJJK - day 1 Arrive tokyo - Arrive in Tokyo at any time. day 2 tokyo - Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most modern cities in the world. However, if you scratch the glossy surface, you will fi nd that Tokyo is a city steeped in tradition. day 3 nikko - Boasting some of Japan’s most beautiful countryside, Nikko is most famous for its dazzling Tosho-gu shrine. day 4 mt. fuji - Hakone (B,d) - Spend the night at the base of one of the most famous mountains in the world. Get lost in the throngs of pilgrims, families and school groups who come to make the ascent. day 5-6 takayama (d) - Nestled in the mountains, this town retains an old charm nurtured by its ryokans, sake breweries and craft shops. day 7-8 Kyoto - The centre of artistic and cultural history in Japan, Kyoto will leave you breathless with its temples, gardens and traditional courtyards. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a geisha popping into a teahouse in the narrow alleyways of Gion. day 9-10 Himeji & Hiroshima - miyajima - Discover Japan’s most magnifi cent Samurai castle, Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Miyajima – island of shrines and the famous Tori Gate. day 11 fukuoka-Busan - Travel by Hydrofoil to Busan, a traditional port city of temples and markets, islands and beaches. day 12-13 Gyeongju - Visit the ancient capital of temples, pagodas and royal tombs. day 14 seoul - A Confucian city (architecturally and intellectually), Seoul is an ideal city to shop and to eat. It is a city of gardens, palaces and the occasional Shamen. day 15 depart seoul

included Highlights:� 14 Day Japan Rail Pass,Tokyo fi sh market, Tosho-gu Shrine (Nikko), Hida Folk Village (Takeyama), Himeji Castle, Miyajima Island, Gyeongju temples and tombs.

tokyo to sEoul

Japan is an intricate blend of East and West. Korea a complex blend of Confucian ideals and modern economics. This is an unforgettable journey through two fascinating countries with ancient histories and deep traditions.

15 Day • trip codE: aJJK • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Nikko

Mt Fuji Tokyo

Kyoto

Takayama

Hiroshima

FukuokaBusan

GyeongjuSeoul

J A P A N

S O U T HK O R E A

2 0 0 9APR 05 APR 19APR 26 MAY 10MAY 17 MAY 31JUN 07 JUN 21

JUN 28 JUL 12JUL 19 AUG 02AUG 09 AUG 23AUG 30 SEP 13SEP 20 OCT 04

OCT 11 OCT 25NOV 01 NOV 152 0 1 0 MAR 28 APR 11APR 11 APR 25

MAY 02 MAY 16MAY 23 JUN 06JUN 13 JUN 27JUL 04 JUL 18JUL 25 AUG 08

AUG 15 AUG 29SEP 05 SEP 19SEP 26 OCT 10OCT 17 OCT 31NOV 07 NOV 21



15 DaYs toKYo to seoul • Departs sunDaYs MontHlY (apr-nov), sun-sun

Bongeinsa, South Korea


around tokyo5 Day • trip codE: TaJaTC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Tokyo is a city that is brimming with life and a place of contrasts and surprises. The sheer size and frenetic pace of Japan’s capital can be both thrilling and overwhelming, be guided on a tour of the city so as to make the best use of your time. Notice futuristic technology and gaudy neon sitting side by side with ornate temples and shrines. Also venture just outside the city to Nikko, Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko to explore ancient temples, waterfalls and take in breathtaking views from iconic Mt Fuji, Japan’s most sacred mountain.


service LeveL comfort pHYsicAL demAnd 2�

tokyo and kyoto EXpEriEncE6 Day • trip codE: TaJTKC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

From the quirky to the traditional, ancient treasures to ultra-modern technology, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Bring your camera for amazing photo opportunities from Tokyo Tower and the Hakone Mountains and visit the classic Old Imperial Palace. Delve deeper into Japanese history and culture with a visit to the former capital, Kyoto. Marvel at the country’s natural wonders and drink in the breathtaking views from the sacred Mt Fuji. Experience some of the magic of the “Land of the Rising Sun” and it’s culture on this 6-day tour.





our inDepenDent trips are For tHose WHo Don’t Want to FolloW a FiXeD group itinerarY.

It gives you the freedom to arrange your holiday how you want. Choose from many different mini-adventures, to complete 2 week touring options with comfor t levels to suit all tastes.




& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - japan, china

AccommodAtion:� Hotel (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Boat (2 nts, multishare), Mountain monastery (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, sea ferry, boat, walking, bicycle, plane, bullet train. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 4 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. comBinAtion:� This trip combines our China Express (ACCR) and Japan Express (AJJR).

itinerArY AccJ - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-3 Beijing - The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world’s most impressive and vibrant cities. Walk the legendary Great Wall and discover China’s opulent past as you visit the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Day 4 Xi’an - Discover one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. day 5 Hangzhou - Explore the temples and stunning West Lake that dominant the city’s landscape, but be sure to make time for a cup of local Longjing tea on your travels. Day 6-7 Wuzhen Canal town & shanghai - Explore the streets and marvel at how eastern culture meets western convenience and how ancient rituals sit side by side with modern day life. day 8-9 ferry to osaka (2B) - Cross the East China Sea aboard a modern passenger ferry. day 10 osaka - Known as “Japan’s kitchen”, what Osaka lacks in beauty it makes up for in food, fun, and friendly locals. day 11 Koyasan (B,d) - Live, eat, sleep, and pray like a monk at this amazing religious centre based on the top of the 800m Mt Koya. day 12-13 Hiroshima - Explore this cosmopolitan city, with many great museums and parks. A visit to the beautiful Miyajima island offers one of Japan’s most beautiful views. day 14-15 Himeji and Kyoto - The traditional heart of Japan - temples and teahouses, shrines and shops, and maybe even geisha!. day 16 Hakone and mt fuji - View the imposing Mt Fuji, cruise across Lake Ashino-ko, or enjoy picturesque views of the region on a cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. day 17 tokyo - Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most modern cities in the world. day 18 depart tokyo

anciEnt EmpirEs - bEijing to tokyo

An incredible journey showcasing the best of two ancient cultures and vastly different empires. From the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, step into Japan in all its contemporary glamour alongside national treasures such as Mt Fuji and the spiritual Mt Koya.

18 Day • trip codE: aCCJ • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� 7 Day Japan Rail Pass, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Chinese acrobat performance, entrance to Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors tour, Hangzhou Sightseeing, Walking tour of Shanghai’s Bund area, Entrance to Canal Town, Sea Ferry Journey, Himeji Castle entry, Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle entry, Ryoan Ji Temple entry, Excursion to Miyajima Island

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Xi'anShanghai

Wuzhen

Hangzhou

Osaka

Mt Fuji

Tokyo

Koyasan

KyotoHimeji

Hiroshima

C H I N A

J A P A N

2 0 0 9FEB 24 MAR 13MAR 07 MAR 24MAR 17 APR 03MAR 21 APR 07

APR 04 APR 21APR 07 APR 24APR 18 MAY 05MAY 02 MAY 19MAY 16 JUN 02

MAY 26 JUN 12MAY 30 JUN 16JUN 13 JUN 30JUN 16 JUL 03JUN 27 JUL 14

JUL 11 JUL 28JUL 25 AUG 11JUL 28 AUG 14AUG 08 AUG 25AUG 22 SEP 08

AUG 25 SEP 11SEP 05 SEP 22SEP 19 OCT 06OCT 03 OCT 20OCT 17 NOV 03

OCT 31 NOV 17NOV 14 DEC 01NOV 17 DEC 04NOV 28 DEC 15MAR 06 MAR 23



18 DaYs Beijing to toKYo • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (FeB-nov), sat-tue


AccommodAtion:� Hotel (6 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, walking, bicycle, plane. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY Accr - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-3 Beijing - The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world’s most impressive and vibrant cities. Walk the legendary Great Wall and discover China’s opulent past as you visit the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. day 4 Xi’an - Discover one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets in the serene and unusual Great Mosque. Scour the great souvenir stalls lining the alleys and indulge on some of the best street food in China. Stretch your muscles by joining in on some early morning tai chi or ballroom dancing in the numerous parks. day 5 Hangzhou - Hangzhou has a relaxed charm built on an Imperial past. Explore the temples and stunning West Lake that dominant the city’s landscape, but be sure to make time for a cup of local Longjing tea on your travels. Day 6-7 shanghai & Wuzhen Canal town - Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel. Explore the streets and marvel at how eastern culture meets western convenience and how ancient rituals sit side by side with modern day life. A visit to a nearby traditional water canal town is a highlight for many people. day 8 depart shanghai

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Chinese acrobat performance, entrance to Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors tour, Visit to Canal Town, Hangzhou sightseeing, Shanghai Bund area

china EXprEss

China is a delicately balanced world where ancient culture blends in with modern conveniences with a touch of tradition. Discover the imperial wonders of Beijing, the intriguing collection of Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the vibrant cosmopolitan centre that is Shanghai.

8 Day • trip codE: aCCR • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

C H I N A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

ShanghaiXi'an

Wuzhen

Hangzhou

2 0 0 9MAR 7 MAR 14MAR 14 MAR 21MAR 21 MAR 28MAR 28 APR 4

APR 4 APR 11APR 11 APR 18APR 18 APR 25APR 25 MAY 2MAY 2 MAY 9

MAY 9 MAY 16MAY 16 MAY 23MAY 23 MAY 30MAY 30 JUN 6JUN 6 JUN 13

JUN 13 JUN 20JUN 20 JUN 27JUN 27 JUL 4JUL 4 JUL 11JUL 11 JUL 18

JUL 18 JUL 25JUL 25 AUG 1AUG 1 AUG 8AUG 8 AUG 15AUG 15 AUG 22

AUG 22 AUG 29AUG 29 SEP 5SEP 5 SEP 12SEP 12 SEP 19SEP 19 SEP 26



8 DaYs Beijing to sHangHai • Departs saturDaYs WeeKlY (Mar-nov), sat-sat




* Interested in more Ancient Empires? You can add our Japan Express trip to this one, take a look at trip code ACCJ.


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. china - asia 67

Volcano, Bolivia

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (4 nts), Yangtze boat (3nts). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, walking, bicycle, plane. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD315 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Want to see even more? Why not add Tibet before your tour? See trip code TACCTC

itinerArY Acec - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-4 Beijing - From the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, Beijing is a city of incredible sights. Don’t miss some of the best shopping, food and entertainment in the world. day 5-7 shanghai - Shanghai is China’s largest and most dynamic city where new skyscrapers meet with the traditional architecture of the Bund. Visit the Museum, shop on Nanjing Road or watch a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobats. Day 8-9 Xi’an - Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors - and dine on some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern worlds. day 10-11 chengdu and Leshan - Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary, discover Chengdu’s ancient tea houses and marvel at the giant stone Buddha at Leshan. day 12-14 three Gorges - Three Gorges are both an inspiration to painters and poets and a source of international controversy. It remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders while the massive Three Gorges Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology. day 15-16 Yichang and Wuhan - Cross Wuhan’s famous bridges over the Yangtze River and visit the gateway city of Yichang. day 17-19 Yangshuo - Surrounded by spectacular limestone karst hills and green paddy fields, Yangshuo is your picture perfect base for exploring the peaks, rivers, caves and outlying villages of Guilin. day 20 Hong Kong - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities - it boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sites, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. day 21 depart Hong Kong

EssEntial china

Including all of the sites you could possibly want to see in a three week trip, see the true essence of China in all it’s wonderful diversity. Visit cosmopolitan cities, quaint tea houses, the immense Great Wall and the inspiring Three Gorges in this incredible journey which is Essential China.

21 Day • trip codE: aCEC • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, entrance to Great Wall, Entrance to Shanghai Museum, Terracotta Warriors tour, Panda Sanctuary excursion, Entrance to the Leshan Giant Buddha, Three Gorges boat trip and Dam Tour, Three Gorges tributary excursion, Full day Yangshuo bike ride and lunch

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Yangshuo

Chengdu

Leshan Chongqing

Guilin

Yichang

Xi'an

Shanghai

Hong Kong

C H I N A


21 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong • Departs sunDaYs WeeKlY (Mar-nov), sun-sat


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (15 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts), Yangtze boat (2 nts) trAnsport:� Train, flight, local bus, private bus, Chinese style boat, walking, cycling Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY Acdc - day 1 Arrive Hong Kong - Arrive in Hong Kong at any time. day 2 Hong Kong/china border - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities. It boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sights, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. day 3-4 Yangshuo - Experience real village life as you explore the spectacular limestone karst hills and rice paddy fields of one of China’s most beautiful landscapes. day 5 Kunming - The “City of Eternal Spring”, Yunnan’s capital, Kunming, exudes a relaxed atmosphere and showcases the influences of the many ethnic minority groups that live in this province. day 6-7 Lijiang - Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town, is a maze of streets and markets. This serene city is home to the Naxi minority people, who wear traditional blue clothing and have a fascinating and distinct culture. day 8 zhongdian - shangri-la county - On the edge of the Tibetan world, this is a stunning monastery town. day 9-10 chengdu - Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary, discover Chengdu’s ancient tea houses and perhaps a performance of traditional Sichuan opera. day 11-13 three Gorges - The Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders, while the massive Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology. Experience it firsthand as you travel down the mighty Yangtze in a Chinese- style riverboat. day 14-15 shanghai - Blending 21st century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Day 16-18 Wuzhen Canal town & Hangzhou - Take a boat trip under ancient bridges as you cruise through hundreds of canals in Wuzhen. Renowned as an earthly paradise, soak up the local atmosphere and perhaps take a boat ride on West Lake in the beautiful city of Hangzhou. day 19-20 Beijing - China’s capital is a first class city with a remarkably well-preserved past. Walk in the footsteps of history as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven. day 21 depart Beijing

included Highlights:� Yangshuo countryside tour, Naxi orchestra, Suntseling Monastery, Giant Panda Breeding Center, Ancient Canal Town, Lingyin Si, Forbidden City, entrance to Great Wall, Tianamen Square and Forbidden City Guided tour, Three Gorges boat trip, Dam tour, Three Gorges tributary excursion

discovEr china

Discover many of the delights China has to offer - from the the vibrant cities of Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, to World Heritage towns, Giant Pandas, the Three Gorges and stunning scenery. Enjoy a 3-week exploration of the highlights and hidden corners of this vast, diverse country.

21 Day • trip codE: aCDC • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

C H I N A

Yangshuo

GuilinKunmingLijiang

Shangri-la

ChengduYichang

Chongqing

Shanghai

Hong Kong

Hangzhou

Wuzhen

Beijing

2 0 0 9MAR 1 MAR 21MaR 15 APR 4MAR 29 APR 18APR 12 MAY 2



SEP 13 OCT 3SEP 27 OCT 17OCT 11 OCT 31OCT 25 NOV 14NOV 8 NOV 28

NOV 22 DEC 122 0 1 0MAR 7 MAR 27MAR 14 APR 3MAR 21 APR 10

MAR 28 APR 17APR 4 APR 24APR 11 MAY 1APR 18 MAY 8APR 25 MAY 15



21 DaYs Hong Kong to Beijing • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), sun-sat




Panda Sanctuary, China

Wuzhen Canal Town, China

asia - china68For information on trip styles,service level


Yangshou, China

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (13 nts) trAnsport:� Private bus, flight, boat Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD315 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY Acis - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of your time is free to explore the sights and sounds of this surprising city. day 2-3 Beijing (2B,d) - Depart this morning for a full day’s exploration of the ancient sites of Beijing. Explore the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, before entering where no commoners were allowed before 1911- the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Day 4-5 Xi’an (2B,D) - This morning sees us arrive in the ancient Han capital of Xian, home to one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures - the Terracotta Warriors. TXian is a cultural melting pot, which we can see in the market area surrounding the tranquil mosque, where souvenirs abound and delicious market foods can be sampled. day 6-7 shanghai (2B,d) - Arriving into the frenetic energy of Shanghai, we get a true sense of the rapid modernization of this dynamic country. day 8 zhouzhuang - suzhou (B,L) - A short trip away from Shanghai, we step back in time to the restored canal town of Zhouzhuang, a photographer’s dream of narrow canal ways and rural vistas. Continuing our journey we reach Suzhou, famed for its traditional UNESCO World Heritage gardens and exquisite silk production. day 9-10 Hangzhou (2B,d) - Called an “earthly paradise” by the Chinese, Hangzhou’s beauty lies in the famous West Lake and surrounding hillsides. A trip to Lingyin Temple, one of the few temples to escape the ravages of the Cultural Revolution, completes our visit to this delightful city day 11-12 Guilin and Yangshuo (2B,L) - A vision of rural delights awaits us in the spectacular limestone karst hills and green paddy fields of Guilin. lying on the west bank of the Li River, this town is your picture perfect base for exploring the peaks, rivers, caves and outlying villages of this most stunning of China’s southern landscapes. day 13 Hong Kong (B,d) - Once the gateway to China, Hong Kong is everything you would expect and more. Boasting an unbeatable array of cultural sites, shopping and fabulous food, Hong in the perfect finale to your Chinese experience. day 14 depart Hong Kong (B)

china in stylE

From cosmopolitan cities to ancient capitals, China has a stunning array of cultural experience to offer any visitor to the Middle Kingdom. A rapidly changing country, now is the time to discover its cultural and historical diversity.

14 Day • trip codE: aCIS • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Temple of Heaven, Great Wall entrance, Terracotta Warriors tour, Shanghai Orientation Walk, Entrance to Shanghai Museum, Entrance to Zhouzhuang Canal Town, Entrance to Humble Administrator’s garden, Entrances to Suzhou Gardens and sights, Entrance fees to Lingyin Si Temple, Li River boat cruise, Victoria Harbour dinner cruise, Arrival transfer, and Daily breakfast.

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

C H I N A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Yangshuo Guilin

Xi'an SuzhouShanghai

Hangzhou

Hong Kong

2 0 0 9APR 13 APR 26MAY 11 MAY 24MAY 25 JUN 7

JUN 8 JUN 21JUN 22 JUL 5JUL 6 JUL 19JUL 20 AUG 2

AUG 3 AUG 16AUG 17 AUG 30SEP 7 SEP 20SEP 21 OCT 4

OCT 12 OCT 25OCT 26 NOV 82 0 1 0APR 12 APR 25

MAY 10 MAY 23MAY 24 JUN 6JUN 7 JUN 20JUN 21 JUL 4

JUL 5 JUL 18JUL 19 AUG 1AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 16 AUG 29



14 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong • Departs Mon tWiCe MontHlY (apr-oCt), Mon-sun

service LeveL superior pHYsicAL demAnd 2�

AccommodAtion:� Hotel (11 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), riverboat (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, aircon bus, boat, walking, bicycle, plane. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners. BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� What to see more of China? why not add the Yangtze Delta at the end of your tour. See trip code TACYDC.

itinerArY Accs - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-3 Beijing (2B,d) - Walk the legendary grounds of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Beijing is a city of incredible sights with shopping, food and entertainment sure to please all tastes. day 4-5 Xi’an (2B,D) - Discover the Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures and enjoy some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern. day 6-8 Lhasa (3B,d) - Explore the Jokhang, Barkor, Potala, the Sera Monastary and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city situated at over 3700 m above sea level. day 9 chengdu (B) - Delight in the successes of the Panda Breeding Sanctuary, discover Chengdu’s ancient tea houses and sample the famous Sichuan cuisine. day 10 chongqing (B) - Explore the biggest inland river port in western China, gateway to the Yangtze river. There are numerous temples, museums and parks. One of the most interesting is the Luohan Temple which dates back a thousand years and is still an active monastery. day 11-12 Yangtze river (L) - Cruise the Yangtze in air-conditioned comfort. We pass through the spectacular three gorges section and take daily excursions from the boat including the impressive Three Gorges Dam. day 13-14 shanghai (2B,d) - Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel. day 15 depart shanghai (B)

included Highlights:� Arrival transfer and daily breakfast, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall, Chinese Acrobats performance, Terracotta Warriors tour, Walking tour of Shanghai, Entrance to the Shanghai Museum, Entrance to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Panda Sanctuary excursion, Three Gorges boat trip and Dam Tour

china splEndour

Walk in the footsteps of emperors past as you explore the imperial wonders of Beijing and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an. Change the pace as you head to the roof of the world, then meet the famous giant panda. After spending your days admiring China’s greatest scenic, historic and architectural wonders, cap your evenings off in comfort in western-style hotels.

15 Day • trip codE: aCCS • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

CHINA

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

ChengduYichang

ChongqingLhasa

Xi'an Shanghai

2 0 0 9MAR 21 APR 4APR 4 APR 18APR 18 MAY 2MAY 2 MAY 16


JUL 25 AUG 8AUG 8 AUG 22AUG 22 SEP 5SEP 5 SEP 19SEP 19 OCT 3

OCT 3 OCT 17OCT 17 OCT 31OCT 31 NOV 14NOV 14 NOV 282 0 1 0





15 DaYs Beijing to sHangHai • Departs sat tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), sat-sat




AccommodAtion:� Hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt) trAnsport:� Train, aircon bus, fl ight Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD315 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Want to see more of China? Why not add the Yangtze River to your tour? Check out trip code TACYRC

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), sleeper train (5 nts), Yangtse boat (1 nt) trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, walking Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader thoughout meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD240 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AcGc - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-4 Beijing (d) - From the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, Beijing is a city of incredible sights and fl avours. You will have opportunities to sample the famous Beijing (Peking) Duck, as well as try your own hand at creating some of the local dishes. day 5-6 shanghai (d) - Shanghai is China’s largest and most dynamic city where new skyscrapers meet with the traditional architecture of the Bund. Visit the Museum, shop on Nanjing Road or watch a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobats. day 7 Hangzhou (d) - Hangzhou is famous for its scenic landscape, including the West Lake, famous for its delicious fi sh. Take time to explore the stunning Lingyin Temple before resting in one of the many lakeside teahouses sampling the local - and world famous - Dragon’s Well tea. Day 8-9 Xi’an (D) - Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures: the Terracotta Warriors, and dine on some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern worlds. day 10-11 chengdu and Huanglongxi (d) - Chengdu lies in Sichuan province, where the chilli reigns supreme. Discover how those spicy dishes are created, then rest your taste buds in one of Chengdu’s ancient tea houses. In Huanglongxi, experience the snack food for which Sichuan is famous. Then make a stop at the Giant Panda Reserve before sampling the unique food of the Buddhist monks. day 12 Guangzhou (canton) (L) - Guangzhou lies just across the border from Hong Kong in Guangdong province, otherwise known as Canton, home to one of the most famous cuisines in the world. Time is spent here exploring the local markets and learning from the locals how to cook some classic dishes. day 13 Hong Kong (d) - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities - it boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sites, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. day 14 depart Hong Kong

itinerArY AcrG - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-4 Beijing - China’s capital is a city on a grand scale - vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall – and a city of incredible sights, shopping, food and entertainment. day 5-7 shanghai - Shanghai is China’s largest and most dynamic city where new sky scrapers clash with the traditional architecture of the Bund. Visit the Museum or take in the acrobatics. Day 8-10 Xi’an - This ancient city, the capital of China for many years is home to one of The Middle Kingdom’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors - and some of the best market food in the country. day 11 Yichang - The riverside city of Yichang is the starting point for tours of the Three Gorges Dam site and river journeys through the gorges themselves. day 12-13 three Gorges - Both an inspiration to generationas of painters and poets and a source of international controversy. The Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders while the massive Three Gorges Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology. day 14-16 Yangshuo - Discover the village life surrounding the spectacular karst hills, river scenery and green paddy fi elds in one of China’s best known scenic spots. day 17-18 Hong Kong - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities - it boasts a unbeatable array of cultural sights, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. day 18 depart Hong Kong

gourmEt china

roam china - bEijing to hong kong

Sample China’s wonderful diversity, including all of the sights, smells and tastes you could imagine on a gourmet trip! Visit cosmopolitan cities, quaint tea houses, and the immense Great Wall - all whilst learning about China’s ancient culture through the marvellously varied cuisine.

A fantastic journey into the Middle Kingdom. Walk on the Great Wall of China, travel down the river on a Chinese style riverboat to see how life is led on the mighty Yangtze, cycle through rice paddy villages and limestone karsts around Yangshuo and bask in the glamour of Hong Kong.

14 Day • trip codE: aCGC • trip stylE: classic

18 Day • trip codE: aCRG • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City guided tour, entrance to Great Wall, Lingyin Si Hangzhou, Terracotta Warriors, Panda Breeding Center, Huanglongxi village, Cooking classes and demos.

included Highlights:� Victoria Harbour - Hong Kong, Three Gorges, Yangtze River Boat trip, transportation to Great Wall.

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

C H I N A

ChengduHuanglongxi

Xi'an

Shanghai

Hong Kong

Hangzhou

Guangzhou

Beijing

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

C H I N AI R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Yangshuo Guilin

Three Gorges

Xi'an Shanghai

Hong Kong

Yichang







2 0 0 9MAR 16 APR 02MAR 30 APR 16APR 13 APR 30APR 27 MAY 14MAY 11 MAY 28MAY 25 JUN 11

JUN 08 JUN 25JUN 22 JUL 09JUL 06 JUL 23JUL 20 AUG 06AUG 03 AUG 20AUG 17 SEP 03AUG 31 SEP 17

SEP 14 OCT 01SEP 28 OCT 15OCT 12 OCT 29OCT 26 NOV 12NOV 09 NOV 262 0 1 0 MAR 15 APR 01

MAR 29 APR 15APR 12 APR 29APR 26 MAY 13MAY 10 MAY 27MAY 24 JUN 10JUN 07 JUN 24JUN 21 JUL 08

JUL 05 JUL 22JUL 19 AUG 05AUG 02 AUG 19AUG 16 SEP 02AUG 30 SEP 16SEP 13 SEP 30SEP 27 OCT 14

OCT 11 OCT 28OCT 25 NOV 11NOV 08 NOV 25





14 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong • Departs Mon tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), Mon-sun

18 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong • Departs MonDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), Mon-tHu


service LeveL BAsic pHYsicAL demAnd 3�

Night food market, Beijing




* This trip also runs in reverse!See trip code ACRC • Visit our website for details



Cycling, China

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, private bus, walking, cycling, fl ight. Group size:� Min 4, Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD170 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� 24-speed tour and mountain bicycle on all cycling days is included on this trip.

itinerArY Accc - day 1 Arrive Hong Kong - Arrive in Hong Kong at any time. day 2 Guangzhou - Travel to the port city of Guangzhou. Explore the local market for a glimpse into traditional daily life amidst a city that is rapidly moving into modern times. day 3 zhaoqing - Take an authentic sampan across the West River to the ancient city of Zhaoqing. Cycle through peaceful villages and miles of rice fi elds as you experience rural China on two wheels. day 4 deqing - Enjoy a day of cycling through quiet farming hamlets and developing new towns through a part of China few tourists see. Day 5 Wuzhou - After cycling through picturesque rural vistas, arrive in bustling Wuzhou. Along with its Cantonese-infl uenced customs and habits, this traditional ancient town is also known as the ‘snake capital of the world’. day 6-7 Yangshuo - Follow the West River along to Yangshuo. Experience real village life as you explore the spectacular limestone karst hills and rice paddy fi elds of one of China’s most beautiful landscapes. Day 8-9 Xi’an - This ancient city, the capital of China for many years, is home to one of The Middle Kingdom’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. Indulge your tastebuds with some of the best market food in the country. day 10-11 Beijing - Pedal through Beijing on Chinese-style bikes as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the back-street hutongs for a look at how old-world China is still thriving today. Hike along the Great Wall and marvel at its scope. day 12 depart Beijing

cyclE china

Discover China by bike, which is the perfect pace to interact with the local people and experience the culture up close. Cycle through quiet farming hamlets and follow rivers to discover small villages and bustling market towns along the way. No visit to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. An ideal adventure for the active traveller!

12 Day • trip codE: aCCC • trip stylE: activE

included Highlights:� Entrance to Terracotta Warriors, Entrance to Great Wall, Hutong Cycling trip, Escorted cycle trip

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

C H I N A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Yangshuo Zhaoqing Deqing

Wuzhou Guangzhou

Xi'an

Hong Kong

Begin forwarded message:

From: alex pacheco <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 12:32:57 PM EDT (CA)To: John Warner <[email protected]>Cc: Maureen Atkinson <[email protected]>Subject: Re: G.A.P

I think the prices on the indesign pages they got last year were not �nal as the prices always come in at the last minute - hence the spreadsheet. I can't see a way around that unless I wait to build their pages after all �nal prices are in (sep 10) & this does not give us enough time to �ow it all copy by the dates they want the pages. Perhaps there can be a script we can give them along with the pricing spreadsheet to automate the process? I know we are working on one for ourselves.

Dates - I thought they got a spreadsheet too but as i said i believe i will get these earlier so could incorporate them.

alex

On 15-Jul-08, at 12:15 PM, John Warner wrote:

Hi Guys

Not sure why but Thomas has come back to me as below:

JW


From: Thomas Mach <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 6:14:13 PM BDTTo: [email protected]: Fwd: G.A.P

Hi John,

okay �ne. Good to know that Maureen an Alex are working with us again.

It would be safer and easier to get the dates and Euro prices (incl. local payment) already integrated in the indesign pages. Actually our time schedule is based on that work�ow.

Last year we got the indesign pages incl. GBP/EUR prices plus the local payment in USD. In there the dates were already integrated. Later we got spreadsheets with Euro prices including the local payment and dates. We had to change them manually one by one. I remember you guys were thinking about to integrate the local payment as well. Do you include them in your prices?

Which time do you can provide the pages incl. the Euro prices (incl. local payment) and dates?

Thanks and regards

Thomas

--

Thomas Mach Marketing & Sales Tel: 0431 5446 131 Fax: 0431 5446 811 E-Mail: [email protected]

Gebeco GmbH & Co KG Holzkoppelweg 19 D-24118 Kiel

Handelsregister Kiel Nr. A 3964 Steuernummer: 19 285 65407

Geschäftsführung: Ury Steinweg, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung Thomas BohlanderBesuchen Sie uns auch unter / we are also available at:

www.Gebeco.de, www.DrTigges.de oder www.goXplore.de

Ursprüngliche Nachricht vom 15.07.08, 15.08.10

Autor: John Warner <[email protected]>

Thema: G.A.P

Hi Thomas

Now that I think we have outlined the timelines for the brochure moving forwards - I have cced in Maureen and Alex. Maureen is the product guru in our head o�ce and will be getting all the itineraries, prices etc together and Alex is our designer extraordinaire.

One question from Alex was that last year we provided dates & prices separately on spreadsheets - can she assume the same this year?

Thanks

John

John Warner | Director of Sales & Marketing EMEA

On 15-Jul-08, at 3:03 PM, Maureen Atkinson wrote:

This is a question John has to ask them. John?

On 15-Jul-08, at 10:01 AM, alex pacheco wrote:

Hi Maureen,

Last year you provided them with dates & prices separately on spreadsheets - i didn't add them to the Indesign pages - can I assume the same this year?

thanks,alex

On 15-Jul-08, at 9:55 AM, Maureen Atkinson wrote:

Hi John, Sure. When they produce their �rst proof if they could send it to us STAT we can get it done in a day. But need a full day for each region. So really need to know from the dates below when they will have their proof done.

Maria will we have prices for them for these dates?

July 21 Europe/Egypt/Morocco up for translation Aug 4th ready for Alex(GAP designer) to pull

July 21 Expedition up for translationAug 8th ready for Alex to pull Aug 4th The rest of the world up for translation (some might go up earlier)Aug 22nd Central and South ready for Alex to pullAug 28th the rest of the world ready for Alex to pull

On 15-Jul-08, at 6:54 AM, John Warner wrote:

Hi Guys

Here is the latest update from Gebeco agreeing to Maureen's timelines/process of yesterday.

The only proo�ng they are requesting is pricing - so can we squeeze that into the schedule?

I have replied re the intro pages which are being written as I speak.

JW


From: Thomas Mach <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 12:25:43 PM BDTTo: [email protected]: [email protected]: Fwd: AW: GoXplore Brochure

Hi John,

I've just checked your dates with our translator Christian. We can do it the way you suggested.

Well a date for your proo�ng is not clearly written down on the time schedule yet. I've just talked to Jens and we think it would be necessarily that your team crosscheck all the prices at our german pages (old and new trips) and the new trips at all. Your editing run of our pages last year shows us a couple of price mistakes. If you're able to do that? If yes your editing run/proo�ng will be done between the 15th and 26th of September as well.

What date you can send us your introduction pages? I've heard there are some changes at the trip styles and so on. We have to consider that at our brochure.

Best regardsThomas

cc: hu

Ursprüngliche Nachricht vom 14.07.08, 16.25.59Autor: John Warner <[email protected]>Thema: GoXplore Brochure Hi Thomas In order to make sure we are in keeping with your timelines we would need to have some of the translations being fed back to us in stages - would the following work for your translation team? July 21 Europe/Egypt/Morocco up for translation Aug 4th ready for Alex(GAP designer) to pull July 21 Expedition up for translationAug 8th ready for Alex to pull Aug 4th The rest of the world up for translation (some might go up earlier)Aug 22nd Central and South ready for Alex to pullAug 28th the rest of the world ready for Alex to pull Also I notice that you have proo�ng down - I am taking it hat you are maintaining many of last year's pages and that the only proo�ng will be for the new trips. Can I clarify that there is no requirement for proo�ng from our side on the newly translated trips? Thanks for your assistance. Regards John John Warner | Director of Sales & Marketing EMEA G.A.P AdventuresWorldwide Small Group Adventures, Safaris & Expeditions40, Star Street, Paddington, London, W2 1QB, UK Mobile: 07971 338 647 | General enquiries: 020 3238 1155 Reservations: 0870 999 0144 | Res fax: 0870 080 [email protected] | http://www.gapadventures.com1000 Adventures * 100 Countries * 1 World for the New Traveller G.A.P Adventures named Best «Do it All Out�tter on Earthö by National Geographic Adventure magazine:www.gapadventures.com/do_it_all Check out our new trips online at www.gapadventures.com/new National Geographic Adventure honours G.A.P Adventures with 25 Best New Adventures of the Year recognition for the fourth consecutive year Planeterra - The G.A.P Adventures Foundation. Making a di�erence one community at a time. See how you can help at www.planeterra.org


From: alex pacheco <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 12:32:57 PM EDT (CA)To: John Warner <[email protected]>Cc: Maureen Atkinson <[email protected]>Subject: Re: G.A.P

I think the prices on the indesign pages they got last year were not �nal as the prices always come in at the last minute - hence the spreadsheet. I can't see a way around that unless I wait to build their pages after all �nal prices are in (sep 10) & this does not give us enough time to �ow it all copy by the dates they want the pages. Perhaps there can be a script we can give them along with the pricing spreadsheet to automate the process? I know we are working on one for ourselves.

Dates - I thought they got a spreadsheet too but as i said i believe i will get these earlier so could incorporate them.

alex

On 15-Jul-08, at 12:15 PM, John Warner wrote:

Hi Guys

Not sure why but Thomas has come back to me as below:

JW


From: Thomas Mach <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 6:14:13 PM BDTTo: [email protected]: Fwd: G.A.P

Hi John,

okay �ne. Good to know that Maureen an Alex are working with us again.

It would be safer and easier to get the dates and Euro prices (incl. local payment) already integrated in the indesign pages. Actually our time schedule is based on that work�ow.

Last year we got the indesign pages incl. GBP/EUR prices plus the local payment in USD. In there the dates were already integrated. Later we got spreadsheets with Euro prices including the local payment and dates. We had to change them manually one by one. I remember you guys were thinking about to integrate the local payment as well. Do you include them in your prices?

Which time do you can provide the pages incl. the Euro prices (incl. local payment) and dates?

Thanks and regards

Thomas

--

Thomas Mach Marketing & Sales Tel: 0431 5446 131 Fax: 0431 5446 811 E-Mail: [email protected]

Gebeco GmbH & Co KG Holzkoppelweg 19 D-24118 Kiel

Handelsregister Kiel Nr. A 3964 Steuernummer: 19 285 65407

Geschäftsführung: Ury Steinweg, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung Thomas BohlanderBesuchen Sie uns auch unter / we are also available at:

www.Gebeco.de, www.DrTigges.de oder www.goXplore.de

Ursprüngliche Nachricht vom 15.07.08, 15.08.10

Autor: John Warner <[email protected]>

Thema: G.A.P

Hi Thomas

Now that I think we have outlined the timelines for the brochure moving forwards - I have cced in Maureen and Alex. Maureen is the product guru in our head o�ce and will be getting all the itineraries, prices etc together and Alex is our designer extraordinaire.

One question from Alex was that last year we provided dates & prices separately on spreadsheets - can she assume the same this year?

Thanks

John

John Warner | Director of Sales & Marketing EMEA

On 15-Jul-08, at 3:03 PM, Maureen Atkinson wrote:

This is a question John has to ask them. John?

On 15-Jul-08, at 10:01 AM, alex pacheco wrote:

Hi Maureen,

Last year you provided them with dates & prices separately on spreadsheets - i didn't add them to the Indesign pages - can I assume the same this year?

thanks,alex

On 15-Jul-08, at 9:55 AM, Maureen Atkinson wrote:

Hi John, Sure. When they produce their �rst proof if they could send it to us STAT we can get it done in a day. But need a full day for each region. So really need to know from the dates below when they will have their proof done.

Maria will we have prices for them for these dates?

July 21 Europe/Egypt/Morocco up for translation Aug 4th ready for Alex(GAP designer) to pull

July 21 Expedition up for translationAug 8th ready for Alex to pull Aug 4th The rest of the world up for translation (some might go up earlier)Aug 22nd Central and South ready for Alex to pullAug 28th the rest of the world ready for Alex to pull

On 15-Jul-08, at 6:54 AM, John Warner wrote:

Hi Guys

Here is the latest update from Gebeco agreeing to Maureen's timelines/process of yesterday.

The only proo�ng they are requesting is pricing - so can we squeeze that into the schedule?

I have replied re the intro pages which are being written as I speak.

JW


From: Thomas Mach <[email protected]>Date: July 15, 2008 12:25:43 PM BDTTo: [email protected]: [email protected]: Fwd: AW: GoXplore Brochure

Hi John,

I've just checked your dates with our translator Christian. We can do it the way you suggested.

Well a date for your proo�ng is not clearly written down on the time schedule yet. I've just talked to Jens and we think it would be necessarily that your team crosscheck all the prices at our german pages (old and new trips) and the new trips at all. Your editing run of our pages last year shows us a couple of price mistakes. If you're able to do that? If yes your editing run/proo�ng will be done between the 15th and 26th of September as well.

What date you can send us your introduction pages? I've heard there are some changes at the trip styles and so on. We have to consider that at our brochure.

Best regardsThomas

cc: hu

Ursprüngliche Nachricht vom 14.07.08, 16.25.59Autor: John Warner <[email protected]>Thema: GoXplore Brochure Hi Thomas In order to make sure we are in keeping with your timelines we would need to have some of the translations being fed back to us in stages - would the following work for your translation team? July 21 Europe/Egypt/Morocco up for translation Aug 4th ready for Alex(GAP designer) to pull July 21 Expedition up for translationAug 8th ready for Alex to pull Aug 4th The rest of the world up for translation (some might go up earlier)Aug 22nd Central and South ready for Alex to pullAug 28th the rest of the world ready for Alex to pull Also I notice that you have proo�ng down - I am taking it hat you are maintaining many of last year's pages and that the only proo�ng will be for the new trips. Can I clarify that there is no requirement for proo�ng from our side on the newly translated trips? Thanks for your assistance. Regards John John Warner | Director of Sales & Marketing EMEA G.A.P AdventuresWorldwide Small Group Adventures, Safaris & Expeditions40, Star Street, Paddington, London, W2 1QB, UK Mobile: 07971 338 647 | General enquiries: 020 3238 1155 Reservations: 0870 999 0144 | Res fax: 0870 080 [email protected] | http://www.gapadventures.com1000 Adventures * 100 Countries * 1 World for the New Traveller G.A.P Adventures named Best «Do it All Out�tter on Earthö by National Geographic Adventure magazine:www.gapadventures.com/do_it_all Check out our new trips online at www.gapadventures.com/new National Geographic Adventure honours G.A.P Adventures with 25 Best New Adventures of the Year recognition for the fourth consecutive year Planeterra - The G.A.P Adventures Foundation. Making a di�erence one community at a time. See how you can help at www.planeterra.org

2 0 0 9MAR 23 APR 3APR 13 APR 24MAY 4 MAY 15

MAY 25 JUN 5JUN 15 JUN 26JUL 6 JUL 17SEP 7 SEP 18

SEP 28 OCT 9OCT 19 OCT 30NOV 9 NOV 202 0 1 0

MAR 15 MAR 26APR 5 APR 16APR 26 MAY 7MAY 17 MAY 28

JUN 7 JUN 18JUN 28 JUL 9JUL 19 JUL 30AUG 9 AUG 20

AUG 30 SEP 10SEP 20 OCT 1OCT 11 OCT 22



12 DaYs Hong Kong to Beijing • Departs MonDaYs MontHlY (Mar-nov), Mon-Fri


AccommodAtion:� Hotels (8 nts), Simple hotel (1 nt), Guesthouses (2 nts), Overnight train (2 nts). trAnsport:� Trains, fl ight, rafts, local buses, bicycles, walking. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� 24-speed tour and mountain bicycle on all cycling days is included on this trip. recommendAtion:� Looking for a bit more cycling? See Cycle China - trip code ACCC.

itinerArY AcHB - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. Days 2-5 Beijing/great Wall trek - Discover the history of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square then join the throngs of locals as you hop on your bike to explore the city’s ancient hutongs. Walk in the footsteps of ancient soldiers as you get far away from the tourist herd and hike along a lesser known section of the Great Wall. days 6 shaolin temple - The mystical birthplace of Kungfu. There’s no better place to learn about this ancient discipline developed by the monks. Take the opportunity to join in on a kungfu class at China’s oldest and largest Kungfu academy for a once in a lifetime experience. Day 7-8 luoyang and Xi’an - Marvel at the ancient archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Warriors. These stone warriors, all facing east in battle formation, were buried for over 2,000 years complete with horses and chariots. Back in Xi’an, go for a bike ride high up on the ancient city walls for a bird’s eye view into the old city. days 9-12 Guilin region and Yangshuo - The visually stunning geography around Yangshuo is postcard perfect and a favourite among travellers. Cycle around the emerald rice paddy fi elds and visit Moon Hill for a short hike. Enjoy a leisurely bamboo raft down the Li River as it winds its way around towering limestone pinnacles. There are great opportunities for more hikes and several optional activities, such as cooking classes and caligraphy courses. day 13 Hong Kong - There’s so much more to Hong Kong than just the bright lights of Kowloon. Hike up to the peak, wander around Stanley Market or jump on the famous Star Ferry and explore one of the nearby islands. day 14 depart Hong Kong

included Highlights:� Entrance to Great Wall and trek, Entrance and guided tour of the Forbidden City, Beijing Hutong Bicycle Tour, Entrance and guided tour of Terracotta Warriors, Entrance and Kungfu class - Shaolin Monastery & Temple, Bamboo rafting trip on Li River, Yangshuo cycling

china hikE, bikE & raft

From rural roads through endless rice fields in southern China to the bustling streets of Beijing, over the Great Wall of China and down the Li River, see China in a unique way! Tie up your hiking boots, grab your paddle and pump up those wheels, this trip will have you hiking, biking and rafting your way across this huge country.

14 Day • trip codE: aCHB • trip stylE: activE

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

M O N G O L I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

C H I N A

Beijing Great Wall

YangshuoGuilin

Xi'an ShaolinLuoyang

Hong Kong

2 0 0 9MAR 09 MAR 22MAR 30 APR 12APR 20 MAY 03MAY 11 MAY 24

JUN 01 JUN 14JUN 22 JUL 05JUL 13 JUL 26SEP 14 SEP 27OCT 05 OCT 18

OCT 26 NOV 08NOV 16 NOV 292 0 1 0 MAR 29 APR 11APR 19 MAY 02

MAY 10 MAY 23MAY 31 JUN 13JUN 21 JUL 04JUL 12 JUL 25AUG 02 AUG 15

AUG 23 SEP 05SEP 13 SEP 26OCT 04 OCT 17OCT 25 NOV 07



14 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong •Departs MonDaYs MontHlY (Mar-nov), Mon-sun



* Looking for a slower pace?Take a look at Roam China - Hong Kong to Beijing trip code ACRC


Terracotta Warriors, Xian, China

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), Sleeper train (5 nts, 6 berth train), Yangtze boat (2 nt) trAnsport:� Train, local bus, private bus, chinese style boat, walking, cycling Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Looking for something more active. Take a look at Cycle China - trip code ACCC

itinerArY Acrc - day 1 Arrive Hong Kong - Arrive in Hong Kong at any time. day 2 Hong Kong/china border - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities. It boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sights, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. For a true Hong Kong experience, ride the Star Ferry into Victoria Harbour, wander Stanley Market and catch the views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. day 3-5 Yangshuo - Experience real village life as you explore the spectacular limestone karst hills and rice paddy fi elds of one of China’s most beautiful landscapes. day 6 Yichang - The riverside city of Yichang is the starting point for tours of the Three Gorges Dam site and river journeys through the gorges themselves. day 7-9 three Gorges - An inspiration to both painters and poets and a source of international controversy. The Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders, while the massive Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology. Experience it fi rsthand as you travel down the mighty Yangtze Riverin a chinese style riverboat. Day 10-12 Xi’an - This ancient city, the capital of China for many years, is home to one of The Middle Kingdom’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. day 13-15 shanghai - Blending 21st century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Explore the busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop ‘til you drop in China’s hippest stores! day 16-17 Beijing - China’s capital is a fi rst class city with a remarkably well-preserved past. Walk in the footsteps of history as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven. Be sure to venture into the back-street hutongs for a look at how old-world China is still thriving today. day 18 depart Beijing

roam china - hong kong to bEijing

A fantastic journey into the Middle Kingdom. Walk on the Great Wall of China, travel down the river on a Chinese style riverboat to see how life is led on the mighty Yangtze, cycle around the rice paddy villages and limestone karsts that dot the landscape around Yangshuo and bask in the glamour of Hong Kong.

18 Day • trip codE: aCRC • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Yangtze River Boat trip, transportation to Great Wall, Walking tour Xi’an

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

C H I N AI R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

Yangshuo Guilin

Three Gorges

Xi'an Shanghai

Hong Kong

Yichang

18 DaYs Hong Kong to Beijing • Departs MonDaYs WeeKlY (Mar-nov), Mon-tHu


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (9 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts), Yangtze boat (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, walking, fl ight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Lunch BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AcHc - day 1 Arrive shanghai - Arrive in Shanghai at any time. day 2 shanghai (L) - Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and an architectural marvel. Enjoy a day trip to Zhouzhuang, one of Shanghai’s nearby water towns, famous for its canals and stone bridges. day 3-6 Yichang and Yangtze river - Starting in the picturesque town of Yichang, explore the mighty Yangtze River by boat. One of the world’s natural scenic wonders, this brilliant river is full of gorges and dotted with small towns, along with the massive Three Gorges Dam, an incredible feat of modern technology. Day 7-8 Xi’an - Observe one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors - and dine on some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. day 9 pingyao - The World Heritage City of Pingyao is best explored on foot. The Ming and Qing Dynasty Street and China’s fi rst bank are just a few of the sights to be seen. day 10 datong - The magnifi cent Yungang Grottoes dominate the landscape of this ancient capital town. Explore the mystery of the 50,000 buddhas tucked in to the caves, the mud brick 17th fortress with its crumbling watchtowers, and a remnant of the Great Wall. day 11-13 Beijing - Beijing is a city of incredible sights, shopping, food and entertainment. From the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China, Beijing is the cultural capital of China. day 14 depart Beijing

included Highlights:� Shanghai Orientation Walk, Entrance fees to Shanghai Museum, Entrance to Zhouzhuang Canal Town, Three Gorges boat trip, Terracotta Warriors tour, Entrance to Pingyao Ancient Town, Entrance to Yungang Grottoes, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall

highlights of china

This incredible journey explores the great cities, magnificent architecture, natural wonders, Buddhist heritage and archaeological treasures of Northern China. Marvel at the imperial wonders of the Forbidden City, discover the army of Terracotta Warriors and walk the Great Wall.

14 Day • trip codE: aCHC • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

C H I N A

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S T A N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing Datong

Pingyao

Shanghai Xi'an

Yichang

ZhouzhuangThree Gorges

2 0 0 9MAR 1 MAR 14MAR 15 MAR 28MAR 29 APR 11APR 12 APR 25


JUL 5 JUL 18JUL 19 AUG 1AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 16 AUG 29AUG 30 SEP 12


NOV 22 DEC 52 0 1 0MAR 7 MAR 20MAR 21 APR 3APR 4 APR 17




14 DaYs sHangHai to Beijing • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), sun-sat



* Want a little more time in China?Check out Discover China - trip code ACDC





Longji, China

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/Guesthouses (11 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, aircon bus, boat, walking, bicycle, fl ight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY Acsc - day 1 Arrive Kunming - Arrive in Kunming at any time. day 2-3 dali - A wonderful lakeside town surrounded by mountains that are snow-capped year round. Explore the town’s cobbled lanes and wooden houses, or take a boat trip on the Erhai Lake. Wake up early to catch the colourful markets of the Bai people. day 4-5 Lijiang - Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town, is a maze of streets and markets. This serene city is home to the Naxi minority people, who wear traditional blue clothing and have a fascinating and distinct culture. day 6-7 tiger Leaping Gorge - Trek along one of China’s great paths. This spectacular trail follows the mighty Yangtze River as it cuts through the dramatic gorge. day 8-11 Yangshuo - Surrounded by spectacular limestone karst hills and green paddy fi elds, Yangshuo is your perfect base for exploring the peaks, rivers, caves, and outlying villages of the Guilin area. day 12 Hong Kong - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities- it boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sites, shopping, fabulous restaurants, and atmosphere galore! day 13 depart Hong Kong

southErn china advEnturE

Scenery you’ve seen in traditional Chinese paintings really does exist! Discover the beautiful landscape and peaceful rivers, observe the ancient art of calligraphy, hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge and explore some of the markets and old courtyard houses which pop up in small laneways off the main roads.

13 Day • trip codE: aCSC • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

C H I N A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

Yangshuo

Guilin

Hong KongKunming

Dali Lijiang

Tiger Leaping Gorge





DEC 7 DEC 192 0 1 0MAR 15 MAR 27MAR 29 APR 10APR 12 APR 24




13 DaYs KunMing to Hong Kong • Departs Mon tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), Mon-sat


AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels (12 nts), Guesthouses (5 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts). trAnsport:� Train, aircon bus, boat, walking, bicycle, fl ight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD330 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Can’t do 21 days? Check out our 13-day Southern China Adventure - see trip code ACSC.

itinerarY aCWC - Day 1 arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-3 Beijing - Walk the legendary grounds of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Day 4-5 Xi’an - Discover the Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures and enjoy some of the best market food in the country. This ancient capital is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern. day 6 chengdu - Located just outside of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, is the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Optional visit to see the giant pandas up close is a highlight for many travellers. day 7-8 Leshan and emeishan - Marvel at the world’s biggest stone Buddha before exploring Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. day 9 Kunming - Wander the quaint backstreets, roam through the markets or sample some of Kunming’s fantastic food. Enjoy the nightlife of one of China’s most relaxed cities. day 10-11 dali - A wonderful lakeside town surrounded by mountains that are snow-capped year round. Wake up early to catch the colourful markets of the Bai people. day 12-13 Lijiang - Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town, is a maze of streets and markets. This serene city is home to the Naxi minority people, who wear traditional blue clothing and have a fascinating and distinct culture. day 14-15 tiger Leaping Gorge - Trek along one of China’s great paths. This spectacular trail follows the mighty Yangtze River as it cuts through the dramatic gorge. day 16-19 Yangshuo - Surrounded by spectacular limestone karst hills and green paddy fi elds, Yangshuo is the perfect base for exploring the peaks, rivers, caves, and outlying villages of the Guilin area. day 20 Hong Kong - Hong Kong is one of the world’s most energetic, vibrant and impressively situated cities. It boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sites, shopping, fabulous restaurants, and atmosphere galore! day 21 depart Hong Kong

included Highlights:� Transportation to Great Wall, Orientation walk Xi’an, Hiking Mt Emei, Tiger Leaping Gorge trek

wild china

Tiger Leaping Gorge, the gentle Pandas, cooking schools and leisurely cycling await you on this impressive journey through the remarkable country of China. Visit busy bazaars, serene monasteries, and meandering laneways on this 21-day adventure.

21 Day • trip codE: aCWC • trip stylE: classic

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

NEPAL

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

C H I N A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

(Yangshuo)Guilin

Hong Kon g

Beijing

Kunming

Xi’an

DaliLijiang

Tiger Leaping Gorge

ChengduLeshan

Mt. Emei


MAY 3 MAY 23MAY 17 JUN 6MAY 31 JUN 20JUN 14 JUL 4JUN 28 JUL 18

JUL 12 AUG 1JUL 26 AUG 15AUG 9 AUG 29AUG 23 SEP 12SEP 6 SEP 26


NOV 29 DEC 192 0 1 0MAR 7 MAR 27MAR 21 APR 10APR 4 APR 24

APR 18 MAY 8MAY 2 MAY 22MAY 16 JUN 5MAY 30 JUN 19JUN 13 JUL 3



21 DaYs Beijing to Hong Kong • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-nov), sun-sat



* Don’t want to miss the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors?Why not make your trip to China a little longer? See Wild China - trip code ACWC

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 73viEtnam, china - asia

AccommodAtion:� Hotel (16 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts), Shared yurts (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, flight, bicycle (optional). Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner BudGet:� Allow USD270 for meals not included and USD350 for the flight from Kashgar to Beijing at the end of the trip. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Want to see more of China. Why not add Yangtze Delta at the end of your tour - See trip code TACYDC.

itinerArY Acsr - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2-3 Beijing - Explore the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Wander through the alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing’s Old City and perhaps visit the Tibetan Monastery. Walk the ancient steps of the Great Wall. Day 4-5 Xi’an - This charming city is the traditional starting point of the westbound caravan routes and home to the Terracotta Warriors. Visit the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and climb the city walls that surround Xi’an for an impressive view of the city. days 6-8 Xiahe - Labrang monastery - Journey through the Yellow River Valley up to the edge of the Tibetan plateau and the monastic town of Xiahe, home of the eminent Labrang Monastery. day 9-10 Jiayuguan - The seldom-visited far end of the Great Wall is a lonely outpost overlooking the desert, guarding China’s western frontier. Spend the day exploring its ruins and surrounding forts. day 11-12 dunhuang - Dunhuang is a lovely, relaxing oasis town and nearby, lies the Mogao Caves containing China’s richest Buddhist heritage and the towering Mingsha sand dunes. day 13-15 turpan - Relax beneath the grape trellises or discover Uyghur culture and silk road relics in the surrounding oasis villages. day 16 Heavenly Lake (B,L,d) - Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green meadows, this alpine lake lives up to its name. Spend a memorable night in a local yurt. day 17-18 Kashgar - Set astride ancient trade routes, Kashgar is a true Central Asian oasis town of mosques, mausolems, bazaars and Turkic peoples. Arrive in time for the Sunday market, where people gather from all over to sell their wares. day 19-20 shanghai - Depart Kashgar in the morning of day 19 for your flight to Shanghai. Finish your trip in China’s modern metropolis of Shanghai. day 21 depart shanghai

silk road advEnturE

A journey along the ancient information super-highway will have you travelling from the heart of modern China, through incredible landscapes and desert oasis towns deep into the heart of Central Asia. Explore bazaars, caves and the ancient Terracotta Warrior on this adventure of a lifetime.

21 Day • trip codE: aCSR • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall, Labrang Monestary, Terracotta Warriors tour, Entrance to Jiayuguan Fort, Guided tour to Mogao Buddha Caves, Entrance to the Mingsha Sand dunes with Camel ride, Guided day tour including entrance to Turpan sites, Kashgar Sunday Market, Orientation walk in Shanghai Bund area.

M A L A Y S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA SRI

LANKA

C H I N A

R U S S I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

BRUNEI

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A N Y E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LA TVIA

EST ONIA

Beijing

ShanghaiLanzhou

XiaheXi'an

JiayuguanDunhuangKashgar

Heavenly LakeTurpan

Urumqi

2 0 0 9APR 9 APR 29APR 16 MAY 6MAY 7 MAY 27MAY 21 JUN 10

JUN 4 JUN 24JUN 18 JUL 8JUL 2 JUL 22SEP 3 SEP 23SEP 17 OCT 7

OCT 8 OCT 282 0 1 0APR 8 APR 28APR 15 MAY 5MAY 6 MAY 26

MAY 20 JUN 9JUN 3 JUN 23JUN 17 JUL 7JUL 1 JUL 21SEP 2 SEP 22

SEP 16 OCT 6OCT 7 OCT 27



21 DaYs Beijing to KasHgar • Departs tHursDaYs MontHlY (apr-oCt), tHu-WeD

Silk Road


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts), Junk boat (1 nt), Sleeper train (1 nt) trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, cyclo. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 1 Dinner BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AvHK - day 1 Arrive Hanoi - Arrive in Hanoi at any time. day 2-4 Halong Bay/Langson (2B,2L,d) - Sail past limestone karst islands, explore huge caves, and swim in secluded bays as you travel through Halong Bay on a traditional ‘junk’ boat. day 5-6 Hua shan - Hua Shan gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Zhuang people as we stay near their traditional style wooden buildings and visit a huge cliff fresco, painted by their ancestors some 2,000 years ago. day 7-8 chengyang - Chengyang is home to the Dong people. Their exquisite ‘wind and rain’ bridges enhance the natural landscape around this captivating village. day 9-10 Longji rice terraces - Seemingly reaching above the clouds, Longji rice terraces are unforgettable. Home to remote minority villages, we are able to hike between them following tiny stone paths carved out by the local people. day 11-13 Yangshuo - Yangshuo is the very image of rural China. We explore this dramatic landscape by bike, getting deep into the heart of the countryside. day 14 Hong Kong - Energetic Hong Kong is the original city where East meets West. Cruise the harbour or take a trip to one of the smaller islands, then admire the night skyline from above at Victoria Peak. day 15 depart Hong Kong

included Highlights:� Entrance to Halong Bay, Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood meal, Entrance to Hua Shan, Full day Yangs Shou bike ride with lunch, Entrance to Longji Rice terraces

hanoi to hong kong

Savour the delights of Vietnam and South East China on this adventure. There is so much to discover - vibrant Hanoi, energetic Hong Kong, the natural beauty of Halong Bay and the hilltribes of Southern China. This is a trip which will take you on a journey through mountainous rice terraces and rural waterways, experiencing a side of China most people never see.

15 Day • trip codE: aVHK • trip stylE: classic

Hanoi Halong Bay

Hong KongYangshuo

Chengyang

LongjiLiuzhou

Hua ShanLang Son

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

V I E T N A M

C H I N A

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N


N


T A J I K I S T A N

M O N G O L I A

2 0 0 9APR 5 APR 19APR 19 MAY 3MAY 3 MAY 17MAY 17 MAY 31



OCT 18 NOV 1NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 15 NOV 292 0 1 0MAR 28 APR 11

APR 11 APR 25APR 25 MAY 9MAY 9 MAY 23MAY 23 JUN 6JUN 6 JUN 20

JUN 20 JUL 4JUL 4 JUL 18JUL 18 AUG 1AUG 1 AUG 15AUG 15 AUG 29



15 DaYs Hanoi to Hong Kong • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (apr-nov), sun-sun

Li River, China





& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - china, tibEt

bEijing EXpEriEncE4 Day • trip codE: TaCBPC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt


Boasting an incredible range of fascinating sights and sounds, this 4 day Beijing experience has everything to keep the curious traveller satisfied. Try the authentic cuisine and explore magnificent ancient palaces, parks and temples. China’s capital is home to innumerable iconic and historic sites; Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City, to name a few. Experience all of this and more, with the help of an expert local guide on this comprehensive tour of the best of Beijing.


yangtZE dElta5 Day • trip codE: TaCyDC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Shanghai has recently enjoyed rapid industrial and economic growth and is well on its way to becoming a financial and commercial powerhouse for the 21st Century. Discover the city’s cultural and historical roots on a guided tour and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the Orient Pearl TV Tower. Leave the city behind and relax into the gentler pace of the smaller towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Learn about the workings of a silk factory, and visit a rural tea plantation for a taste of the real China.



classic tibEt7 Day • trip codE: TaCCTC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Explore the Tibetan heartland on this 7 Day journey. Spend some time taking in the sights of the historic capital of Lhasa. Gaze up at the Potala Palace, an architectural wonder, and discover Buddhist culture and traditions that have remained largely unchanged by the passage of time. Look for the magnificent Kumbum of Gyantse and ornate reliquary stupas at Tashilumpo. Add in the spectacular scenery of 5000m passes, turquoise lakes, snow capped mountains and the mighty Brahmaputra River for a very special insight into the treasures of Tibet.




yangtZE rivEr cruisE5 Day • trip codE: TaCyRC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt


Be among the last people to experience this region of the Yangtze in all its glory before parts of the area are flooded as part of the Three Gorges Dam Project in 2009. There is so much to see and appreciate along this scenic journey, beautiful countryside, diverse wildlife and traditional village life. Some of what you see on your River Cruise will soon become submerged and the local people will be displaced. This is a truly memorable journey down one of the world’s longest rivers at an important time in its history.


grEat wall walk5 Day • trip codE: TaCGWC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Mao Zedong said, “He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man”. With its stunning views and deeply ingrained sense of history, your journey here will be memorable. Visit the less touristy sections of this incredible structure, be awed by its sheer enormity, in total it stretches to over 6700km (4160 miles) in length and took centuries to construct. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you tackle the Great Wall on foot, and take a moment to reflect on the lives of the people who built it, and those whom it was intended to protect.



our inDepenDent trips are For tHose WHo Don’t Want to FolloW a FiXeD group itinerarY.



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 75mongolia - asia

Yurt, Mongolia

itinerArY Amnm - day 1 Arrive ulaan Baatar - Arrive in Ulaan Baatar at any time. day 2 ulaan Baatar - As the city used to be a Russian protectorate, much of the architectural styles remain alongside traditional Mongolian gers (tents) and modern shops. You have free time to explore the Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur exhibits, the Choijin Lama Temple Museum with displays of Buddhist artifacts, or perhaps the Ganden Monastery, the most important in the country. day 3 Horbund - Head south through the steppe to Horbund where we visit the ruins of an ancient monastery. See gazelle, cranes, and eagles in the surrounding countryside. day 4-5 Yolyn Am - Visit the restored Monastery of Ongi Khidd on the way to the Flaming Cliffs area made famous for the fossils and dinosaur eggs discovered there in recent years. Yolyn Am, the “Vulture’s Mouth” is an incredible gorge in the desert. Hike deep into the gorge to where ice remains, even in summer. day 6-7 Gobi desert - Travelling through the desert we get to explore some of the largest dunes in the Gobi. day 8 Guvchin-us - We head north through beautiful mountains for our first family stay (or camping). Literally meaning ‘dirty water’, Guvchin-Us is a small rural

included Highlights:� Entrance to Yolyn Am National Park, volcano hike, entrance to Erdene Zuu Monastery, entrance to Karakorum monument, visit to lava tubes and second volcano hike, authentic Mongolian barbecue

nomadic mongolia

Take a trip to the land of Ghengis Khan where archery, horse races and Mongolian wrestling excite the country during the Naadam Festival! Beyond the festivities of the “three manly games”, get out and explore the city of Ulaan Baatar and lush green countryside, which is dotted with ancient monasteries. Join nomadic herders who live in ‘gers’ in the land where wild horses roam free.

21 Day • trip codE: aMNM • trip stylE: classic

town. day 9 Karakorum - We visit the ancient capital city and beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery. day 10 tsensher hotsprings - Relax in the hot spring water at the ger camp or hike the nearby hills. day 11-12 great White lake - Continue across the green hills to Great White Lake. This natural volcanic lake surrounded by rocky mountains provides a surreal landscape in Khorgo. Climb up to one of the peaks for spectacular views of the nearby area. day 13 Grasslands (shine inder) - Our drive takes us deep into the steppe to really experience the nomad life as we head towards Khovsgol Lake day 14-16 Khovsgol Lake - Journey through emerald green grasslands dotted with the white ‘gers’ (traditional tents) of nomads to the pure waters and pristine wilderness of Khovsgol Lake. Swim in the icy waters or hike through the nearby forests. day 17-18 selenge river - Soak in the beautiful surroundings of the picturesque Selenge River region. day 19 Khustai national park - Khustai National Park is home to the wild Takhi horses, the last truly wild horses in the world. day 20 ulaan Bataar - Head back to the capital through the grasslands to explore Ulaan Baatar once again. day 21 depart ulaan Bataar


AccommodAtion:� Hotels (3 nts), Ger camps (13 nts) (multishare & shared facilities), family stay or tent camping (4 nts) (multishareno facilities). trAnsport:� 4WD Russian Jeep, walking. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 17 dinners. BudGet:� Allow USD60 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9MAY 25 JUN 14

JUN 15 JUL 5JUL 6 JUL 26

JUL 27 AUG 16AUG 17 SEP 6

2 0 1 0MAY 24 JUN 13

JUN 14 JUL 4JUL 5 JUL 25

JUL 26 AUG 15AUG 16 SEP 5



21 DaYs eX ulaan Baatar • Departs MonDaYs MontHlY (MaY-aug), Mon-sun

M A L AY S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

P A K I S T A N

R U S S I A

K A Z A K H S TA N

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

AFGHANISTAN

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

KYRGYZSTAN

TAJIKISTAN

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

M O N G O L I A

Ulaan Baatar

Khustai NPSelenge River

KarakoramTsensher Hotsprings

Grasslands (Shine Ider)

Great White Lake

Lake Khovsgol

Horbund

Yolyn AmGobi Desert

Guvchin-Us


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - tibEt

Monks, Shigatse, Tibet

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

Gu l f o f

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

Lanzhou

Xi’an

Beijing

Golmud Xining

Gyantse

Shigatse

Rongphu(Everest Base Camp)

Lhasa

Kathmandu

itinerArY ActA - day 1 Arrive Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at any time. day 2 Beijing - The vast expanses of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China beckon. Beijing is a city of incredible sights, shopping, food and entertainment – as an introduction to China it cannot be surpassed. day 3-4 trans tibetan rail Journey - Traverse the Tibetan Plateau on

included Highlights:� Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall, Entrance to the Potala Palace, Entrance to the Jokhang Temple, Entrance to Pelkor Chode & Gyantse Kunbum, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, Entrance to Sakya Monastery, Entrance to Everest National Park, Trans-Tibetan Railway,

tibEt advEnturE

Take an amazing overland journey across the roof of the world. From the frenzied streets of Beijing, ride the high-altitude railway to charming Lhasa and overland to Kathmandu via the great monastic centres of Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp. Take part in temple rituals and haggle for a bargain in the Shigatse Bazaar during your travels.

15 Day • trip codE: aCTa • trip stylE: classic

the famous high-altitude Beijing-Qinghai-Tibet railway and enjoy the amazing scenery. day 5-8 Lhasa - Explore the Jokhang, Barkhor, Potala, the Sera Monastary and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city situated at over 3700m above sea level. day 9 Gyantse - Built at the centre of the trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Gyantse is overlooked by an impressive fort. Its monastery is one of the fi nest in central Tibet. day 10 shigatse - Shigatse is Tibet’s second most important city with one of its most richly spectacular and extensive monastic complexes. day 11 sakya - Once the political center of Tibet, the walls of Sakya’s great fortifi ed monastery are painted the dark grey typical to buildings in the area. Explore the monastery and the ruins of north Sakya across the river. day 12 rombuk & everest Base camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning. day 13 nyalam/zhangmu - Get a bird’s eye view of the Himalayas. Cross one of the most spectacular mountain passes, topped with prayer fl ags and wind-driven prayer wheels. You will truly feel like you are on top of the world. day 14 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, street sellers. day 15 depart Kathmandu


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, aircon bus, 4WD vehicle Group size:� Min 4, Max 14 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

15 DaYs Beijing to KatHManDu • Departs sunDaYs WeeKlY (Mar-nov), sun-sun

* Want to also explore Nepal?Why not add Nepal Independent Highlights - Trip code TANNHC



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 77tibEt - asia

Himalayas, Tibet

itinerArY AcKA - day 1 Beijing - Arrive in Beijing at anytime. day 2-3 Beijing - Explore the sights of Beijing, including the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen Square, the Imperial wonder of the Forbidden City, and the iconic Great Wall. Day 4 Xi’an - Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and be tempted by the delicious tastes of the nightmarket in the Muslim Quarter day 5 Xining - Kumbum - Kumbum (Ta’er Si) is the birthplace of Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelukpa sect and of the current Dalai Lama. days 6-8 Xiahe - Set amid the grasslands of Amdo, Labrang is one of the most important monasteries of the Tibetan world. day 9 train to Lhasa - Drive to Lanzhou to board the train for Lhasa. days 10-13 Lhasa - Explore the center of the Tibetan world - a fascinating blend of temples and pilgrims, ancient and modern. day 14 Gyantse - An ancient trading town dominated by an impressive fort - its monastery complex, one of Tibet’s fi nest, includes the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum. day 15 shigatse - This is Tibet’s second most important city with a richly spectacular and extensive monastic complex. day 16-18 saga to darchen - Follow the road west across grasslands and passes culminating in the fi rst spectacular view of Kailash & Manasarovar. day 19-21 Kailash &

included Highlights:� Entrance to Great Wall, Entrance to Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Kumbum, Labrang, Entrance to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Entrance to Sera Monastery, Pelkor Chode, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, Mount Kailash kora, Lake Manasarovar, Qomolangma Nature Preserve

tibEt EncompassEd

An incredible overland journey from Beijing, through the grasslands of central China and across the roof of the world to Asia’s most sacred mountain, Kailash - a completed kora cleanses the sins of a lifetime. Add a side trip to the legendary Everest Base Camp for a stunning view before descending to Kathmandu.

28 Day • trip codE: aCKa • trip stylE: classic

Lake manasarovar - Embark on the toughest part of our journey, the 2.5 day Kailash kora or hike. The highest pass is 5630m. The distinctive snow-topped pyramid of Kailash stands apart and distinct from those around it, dominating the landscape. day 22-24 paryang to Lao tingri - Cross the grasslands, skirt the shores of beautiful Paiku Tso Lake and the towering mass of Xixiapangma (8012m) to the small town of Lao Tingri. day 25 rombuk & everest Base camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible. day 26 nyalam - Cross one of the most spectacular mountain passes, topped with prayer fl ags and wind-driven prayer wheels. You will truly feel like you are on top of the world. day 27 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, street sellers. day 28 depart Kathmandu


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (18 nts), Very basic guesthouses (7 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts) trAnsport:� Flight, train, private bus, 4WD vehicle, foot. Group size:� Min 4, Max 14 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9MAR 22 APR 18APR 5 MAY 2APR 19 MAY 16MAY 10 JUN 6

MAY 24 JUN 20JUN 7 JUL 4JUN 21 JUL 18JUL 5 AUG 1JUL 19 AUG 15

AUG 2 AUG 29AUG 16 SEP 12AUG 30 SEP 26SEP 13 OCT 10SEP 27 OCT 24

OCT 11 NOV 7OCT 25 NOV 212 0 1 0MAR 21 APR 17APR 4 MAY 1

APR 18 MAY 15MAY 9 JUN 5MAY 23 JUN 19JUN 6 JUL 3JUN 20 JUL 17




28 DaYs Beijing to KatHManDu • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-oCt), sun-sat

*Want something more physically challenging? Check out Cycle Tibet - trip code ACCT

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N AP A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

Gu l f o f

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

LanzhouXiaheTarsi

Golmud

Xi’an

Xining

Beijing

Gyantse

Shigatse Lhasa

Kathmandu

Mt. Kailash

Rombuk/Mt. Everest

ParyangDarchen

Lake Mamasarovar Saga

Lao Tingri


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - tibEt

Himalayas, Tibet

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts), very basic guesthouse with limited facilities (1 nt). trAnsport:� Plane, local bus, aircon bus Group size:� Min 4, Max 14 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY Anrt - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. day 2 Kathmandu - Wander through the crowded markets and bazaars that are the centre of Nepali life. The narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows, just to name a few. Walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home of the palace of the ‘living Goddess’, Kumari Devi. day 3-6 Lhasa - Dominated by the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the colourful and holy city of Lhasa lies almost 3700 metres above sea level. Explore the fascinating blend of ancient temples. It is a humbling sight to watch pilgrims circling the temple endlessly day and night on their knees. day 7 Gyantse - Built at the centre of the trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Gyantse is overlooked by an impressive fort. The main monastery is the finest in all of central Tibet. day 8 shigatse - Shigatse bazaar buzzes with life. Indulge your eyes as you wind through the stalls selling everything from slabs of yak butter and yak wool to prayer wheels and rosaries. day 9 shegar - Get a glimpse of small town Tibet, centred around an old fort. day 10 rombuk and everest Base camp - Rombuk is certainly the highest monastery in the world and the views that surround it are stunning. The energetic can make the 7km hike to Everest Base Camp for a closer view of this magnificent mountain; for the rest, pony carts are the way to go. day 11 Lao tingri - This town may be a small outpost, but the views are truly spectacular. day 12 zhangmu - Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 metres to the border town of Zhangmu. day 13 Kathmandu - Return to the hustle and bustle of the city. Cycle around the city ring road to the ghats along the Bagmati River, stroll around the city’s ancient streets or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop garden restaurant, complete with traditional musicians. day 14 depart Kathmandu

high road to tibEt

Discover the serene beauty of Tibet, known as “the roof of the world”. From narrow alleyways and buzzing bazaars to spectacular views of the world’s highest mountain range, this adventure follows the classic overland route between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Tibet’s majestic scenery, mysterious and exotic religious culture and wonderful people will reward you with an indelible life long memory!

14 Day • trip codE: aNRT • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Entrance to the Potala Palace, Entrance to the Jokhang Temple, Entrance to Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kunbum, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, Entrance to Sakya Monastery, Entrance to Qomolangma Nature Preserve

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

B U R M A

N E P A L

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

Gyantse

ShigatseSakya

Rongphu ( Everest Base Camp)

Lhasa

Kathmandu

2 0 0 9MAR 22 APR 4APR 5 APR 18APR 19 MAY 2MAY 10 MAY 23


AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 16 AUG 29AUG 30 SEP 12SEP 13 SEP 26SEP 27 OCT 10

OCT 11 OCT 24OCT 25 NOV 72 0 1 0MAR 21 APR 3APR 4 APR 17


JUL 4 JUL 17JUL 18 JUL 31AUG 1 AUG 14AUG 15 AUG 28AUG 29 SEP 11



14 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (Mar-oCt), sun-sat


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts), Simple monastery guesthouse (1 nt), trAnsport:� Local bus, charter bus, taxis, 4WD vehicles, flight. Group size:� Min 4, Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 6 breakfasts. BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. comBinAtion:� This trip is part of our 24 day Trail of the Buddha trip (ATTB).

itinerarY aCrW - Day 1 Kunming - Arrive in Kunming at any time. day 2-3 Lijiang - Lijiang, a World Heritage listed town, is a maze of streets and markets. This serene city is home to the Naxi minority people, who wear traditional blue clothing and have a fascinating and distinct culture. day 4 - zhongdian (shangari-la) - Prayer flags, monasteries and Tibetan script provide a spiritual magnetism to the peaceful town of Zhongdian. Cycle the surrounding countryside and wander the picturesque Old Quarter. day 5-7 Lhasa - Dominated by the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the colourful and holy city of Lhasa lies almost 3700 meters above sea level. Explore the fascinating blend of ancient temples. It is a humbling sight to watch pilgrims circling the temple on their knees endlessly day and night. day 8 Gyantse - The beautiful agricultural valley of Gyantse is a lovely place with a friendly and relaxed small-town feel. day 9 shigatse - Tibet’s second most important city and the seat of the Panchen Lama is one of its most spectacular and extensive monastic complexes. day 10 sakya - Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya’s great fortified monastery are painted a dark grey, typical to buildings in the area. day 11 rombuk and everest Base camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning. day 12 nyalam - zhangmu - Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu. day 13 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. Wander through the crowded markets and bazaars, cycle around the city ring road, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop restaurant. day 14 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� Orientation Walk in Kunming, Entrance to Lijiang Old town, Zhongdian monastery, Jokhang, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Everest Base Camp

yunnan and tibEt advEnturE

The incredible scenery of Mt Everest and rich religious history of the region make this trip a true adventure. As we pass through remote areas including mountain passes reaching altitudes of over 5000 metres, we mingle with locals, shop in colourful bazaars and visit sacred religious sites along the way.

14 Day • trip codE: aCRW • trip stylE: classic

N E PA L

Kathmandu

Kunming

Gyantse

Shigatse


Lhasa

ZhongdianLijiang

2 0 0 9MAR 29 APR 11APR 26 MAY 9MAY 17 MAY 30MAY 31 JUN 13


AUG 23 SEP 5SEP 6 SEP 19SEP 20 OCT 3OCT 4 OCT 17OCT 18 OCT 31

NOV 1 NOV 142 0 1 0MAR 28 APR 10APR 11 APR 24APR 25 MAY 8


JUL 18 JUL 31AUG 1 AUG 14AUG 15 AUG 28AUG 29 SEP 11SEP 12 SEP 25



14 DaYs KunMing to KatHManDu • Departs seleCt sunDaYs (Mar-nov), sun-sat


For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 79tibEt - asia

Monastery, Tibet

Cycling in Tibet

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Very basic monastaries with limited facilities (1 nt). trAnsport:� Taxis, train, plane, local bus, aircon bus. Group size:� Min 4, Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Would like to see more of what Nepal has to offer? Why not add Nepal Independent Highlights to the end of this tour? See trip code TANNHC

itinerArY Acmr - day 1 Arrive urumqi - Arrive in Urumqi at any time. day 2 turpan - Visit museums, mummies, and the atmospheric ruins of Turpan. Spend an afternoon in the Grape Valley sampling the local raisins and wine. day 3-4 Xining/trans tibetan railway - Sitting on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, Xining has been a military garrison and trading centre since the 16th century. day 5-8 Lhasa - Explore the Jokhang, Barkhor, Ptala, the Sera Monastary and other important Tibetan Buddhist sites in this historic city situated at over 3700m above sea level. day 9 Gyantse - Built at the centre of the trade routes of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, Gyantse is overlooked by an impressive fort. Its monastery is one of the finest in central Tibet. day 10 shigatse - Shigatse is the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most richly spectacular and extensive monastic complexes in Tibet. At the centre of town, the local bazaar buzzes with life. day 11 sakya - Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya’s great fortified monastery are painted a dark grey, typical for buildings in the area. day 12 rombuk and everest Base camp - The view of Qomolangma from the world’s highest monastery is incredible and from Everest Base Camp at 5200m, even more stunning. day 13 zhangmu - Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge straight into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu. day 14 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars, and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, and street sellers. day 15 depart Kathmandu

mountain roads - urumqi to kathmandu

From holy men to buzzing bazaars, ancient Buddhist sites and Grape Valley where the wine just has to be savoured, every day is a new adventure. The trip is capped off with a trip to Everest Base Camp, which will surely fill you with a sense of awe.

15 Day • trip codE: aCMR • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Guided tour of Turpan sites and entrances, Entrance to the Potala Palace, Entrance to the Jokhang Temple, Entrance to Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kunbum, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, Entrance to Sakya Monastery, Entrance to Qomolangma Nature Preserve, Trans Tibetan Railway.

SRI LANKA


N E PA L

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

UZBEKISTAN


A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

Gu l f o f

G u l f o f Ma n

na

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Gu

l f o

f M

ar t

ab

an

Gyantse

Shigatse


Lhasa

Kathmandu

Turpan

Urumqi

Xining

2 0 0 9MAY 11 MAY 25MAY 25 JUN 8JUN 15 JUN 29JUN 29 JUL 13

JUL 13 JUL 27JUL 27 AUG 10AUG 10 AUG 24SEP 7 SEP 21SEP 21 OCT 5

OCT 5 OCT 19OCT 19 NOV 2NOV 2 NOV 162 0 1 0APR 19 MAY 3


JUL 12 JUL 26JUL 26 AUG 9AUG 9 AUG 23AUG 23 SEP 6SEP 6 SEP 20

SEP 20 OCT 4OCT 4 OCT 18OCT 18 NOV 1NOV 1 NOV 15



15 DaYs uruMqi to KatHManDu • Departs seleCt MonDaYs (MaY-nov), Mon-Mon


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (9 nts), Camping (11 nts), Tented resort (1 nt) trAnsport:� Private bus, bike, support vehicle Group size:� Min 4, Max 14, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides meALs incLuded:� All meals whilst camping (11 days). BudGet:� Allow USD100 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� Bicycles are not included in this tour and we highly recommend you bring your own bike. recommendAtion:� Too active? Check out Tibet Encompassed, ACKA

itinerArY Acct - day 1 Arrive chengdu - Arrive in Chengdu at any time. days 2-5 Lhasa - Explore the centre of the Tibetan world - a fascinating blend of temples and pilgrims, ancient and modern. days 6-8 via Yamdrok tso to Gyantse - Jump on your bike and tackle the long, tough yet scenic days that lead you across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Yamdrok Tso (Lake). day 9 Gyantse - Cross the Simi La (4330m), then it’s a relatively gentle descent into Gyantse – in some seasons the valley floor is a blaze of brilliant yellow rape flowers. days 10-11 shigatse - It is a relatively easy ride to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest town, and the seat of the Panchen Lama who ranks second in importance to the Dalai Lama. days 12-14 Lhatse & shegar - Back on the road, the route leads across the Yulung La (4950m) and the Gyatso La (5220m), the highest point of the ride. days 15-16 rombuk & everest Base camp - Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning ride through Qomolangma Nature Preserve to the top of the 5200m Pang-La (pass) for a superb panoramic view. Then its a downhill stretch to Tashidzom. The view from here is utterly spectacular! It is then 7 kilometers to Base Camp at 5200m. day 17 Lao tingri - Back to the Friendship highway. days 18 & 19 to nyalam - Spectacular views of the roof of the world and the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. day 20 Last resort - Descend into a lusher, greener realm - and indulge in a well-desrved rest at our luxury tented resort. day 21 Kathmandu - The historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. The markets, bazaars and narrow streets are home to holy men, sacred cows, bicycles, street sellers. day 22 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� Entrance to the Potala Palace, entrance to Jokhang Temple, entrance to Sera Monastery, Entrance to Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kunbum, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, Entrance to Qomolangma Nature Preserve

cyclE tibEt

Spectacular scenery, challenging riding (six passes over 5000m!) and encounters with one of the world’s most fascinating cultures make this Tibetan adventure a truly incredible experience.

22 Day • trip codE: aCCT • trip stylE: activE

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

BANGLADESH

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

Gu l f o f

G u l f o f Ma n

na

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Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

GyantseShigatse

Rongphu(Everest Base Camp)

Lhasa

Kathmandu

Chengdu

2 0 0 9MAY 24 JUN 14

JUN 21 JUL 12JUL 19 AUG 9

AUG 16 SEP 6SEP 13 OCT 4

2 0 1 0MAY 16 JUN 6

JUN 6 JUN 27JUL 4 JUL 25

AUG 8 AUG 29SEP 5 SEP 26



22 DaYs CHengDu to KatHManDu • Departs sunDaYs MontHlY (MaY-sep), sun-sun



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - india

Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh

Young Monks

AccommodAtion:� Hotels or small basic guesthouses (12 nights), tented camp (1 night), overnight train (1 night) trAnsport:� Flight, jeeps, bus, walking, auto-rickshaws, train Group size:� Max 15 Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides meALs incLuded:� 4 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner BudGet:� Allow USD250 for meals not included. See Trip Notes for spending money. notes:� This trip fi nishes on return to Delhi on Day 15, around midday. You may want to arrange additional accommodation.

itinerArY AHLA - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive Delhi at any time. days 2-3 Leh - A fascinating city, Leh is dominated by the Palace (modeled on the Potala) and the main bazaar. With its old-style Tibetan architecture, tiny gompas and numerous mani walls it is a place of endless corners to explore. day 4 Lamayuru - The 11th century monastery of Lamayuru sits dramatically on a high spur overlooking an eerily eroded landscape. days 5-7 monasteries of the indus (2B) - Set amid the barren gorges of the Indus River and desolate mountains, step into some of Ladakh’s incredible monasteries to admire some of the most spectacular Buddhist art in the world - Alchi, Hemis, Likir are amongst those we will defi nitely visit. day 8 sarchu (B,d) - A long, but incredible drive, cross the Tanglang La Pass (5360m) the highest point of our journey and descend down the Gata loops, an amazing series of 21 hair-pin bends to the tented camp at Sarchu Serai. days 9-11 manali (B) - Famous for apples, shawls and trekking, the popular resort of Manali sits below snow-capped peaks and wooded slopes. It’s a great place to browse bustling markets for locally made handicrafts and trade your noodles for chocolate cake. days 12-14 dharamsala - The hilltop home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is full of monasteries, prayer fl ags and monks in their crimson robes. A trip to the fantastic Norbulingka Institute is always a highlight. day 15 depart delhi

included Highlights:� Entrance to Leh Palace; Monasteries in Phyang, Liker, Alchi, Rezong, Lamayuru, Spituk, Thiksey and Hemis; Summer Palace Shey, Basgo Palace; Stok Palace Museum, Excursion to Naggar village, Norbulingka Institute

littlE tibEt and dharamsala

Travel between two of the world’s highest mountain ranges, the Karakoram and the Himalaya and discover awesome landscapes and spiritual havens in this unforgettable adventure. With some of the most breathtaking natural scenery on earth, this trip will take you to heaven and back.

15 Day • trip codE: aHLa • trip stylE: classic

Delhi

DharamsalaManali

Sarchu Sera

LehLikir

Lamayuru

Alchi Stok Spituk

Hemis

2 0 0 9MAY 23 JUN 6JUN 13 JUN 27

JUL 4 JUL 18JUL 18 AUG 1AUG 1 AUG 15

AUG 15 AUG 29AUG 29 SEP 12SEP 12 SEP 26

2 0 1 0MAY 22 JUN 5JUN 12 JUN 26

JUL 3 JUL 17JUL 17 JUL 31JUL 31 AUG 14

AUG 14 AUG 28AUG 28 SEP 11SEP 11 SEP 25



15 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (MaY-sep), sat-sat


AccommodAtion:� Hotel/ Guesthouse (7 nts), Camp (7 nts) trAnsport:� Train, Bicycle, Taxi, Bus, Raft Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout and Local Guides meALs incLuded:� 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details

itinerArY AHBH - day 1 delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 mandi - Travel by rail and road to Mandi, a typical Indian town with a busy bazaar and numerous Hindu temples where you may be invited to join evening prayers. day 3-4 manali - Follow the winding Beas River through steep, green valleys to Manali, a town scattered across forested slopes, particularly renowned for its hand-woven shawls and adventure sports. day 5 Jispa - Heading into the Himalaya we break our ascent at Jispa. day 6 sarchu - The road twists and turns as it winds its way ever higher to the high altitude plateau of Sarchu. Snow capped peaks top the horizon and waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters to the river gorges below. Day 7 Whisky nallah - Today is your fi rst day of cycling in the mountains, enjoy a relatively easy ride, travelling approximately 40kms to Whisky Nallah. day 8 pang - The road twists and winds over two high passes, the Nakeela la and Lachunglang La, to Pang village. day 9 tanglang La - Ride through the More Plains (a high altitude grazing plateau) stopping for the night at Tanglang La base. day 10 Gya - Cross the highest point of the trip, the 5360m Tanglang La pass, second highest motorable pass in India and on to Gya. day 11 Hemis - Established in 1672 Hemis is one of the largest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh. day 12 shey - Shey was once Ladakh’s capital and here the kings had their summer palace, now a museum. day 13-14 Leh - Today we arrive in Leh, the beautiful capital of Ladakh. Leh is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Today it is a vibrant bustling small town, easy to get most places by foot. The old town is a compact area of mud brick houses and narrow lanes directly to the east of Main Bazar. day 15 depart Leh

bEyond thE himalayas

Ladakh’s remote and breathtaking high-altitude landscape appeals to adventure travellers. Here the forces of nature have conspired to render a magical realist landscape of extremes; desert and blue waters, burning sun and freezing winds, glaciers and sand dunes. Largely untouched by the western world, this is also a land where Tibetan-style traditions and culture remain firmly entrenched.

15 Day • trip codE: aHBH • trip stylE: activE

included Highlights:� Entrance to Pinjore gardens, Entrance to Hemis Monastery, Guided walk Shey Palace, Entrance to Thiskey Monastery, Rafting on the Indus

Delhi

Manali

Mandi

SarchuJespa

Leh

HemisShey

Gya

2 0 0 9MAY 30 JUN 13JUN 6 JUN 20JUN 20 JUL 4

JUL 11 JUL 25JUL 25 AUG 8AUG 8 AUG 22AUG 22 SEP 5

SEP 5 SEP 192 0 1 0MAY 29 JUN 12JUN 5 JUN 19

JUN 19 JUL 3JUL 10 JUL 24JUL 24 AUG 7AUG 7 AUG 21

AUG 21 SEP 4SEP 4 SEP 18



15 DaYs DelHi to leH • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (MaY-sep), sat-sat


*Want to see more of India?Why not add a trip to the Taj Mahal? See trip code TAHTNC

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 81india - asia

Jaipur, India

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guest houses (7 nts) trAnsport:� Charter bus, taxis, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, camel cart. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Group Leader and Local Guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD125 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHGt - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. View the imposing India Gate and marvel at the splendour of Connaught Place. day 3-4 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle of a Bollywood fi lm or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 5 Abhaneri - Abhaneri is an ancient village set in the desert of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata temple. day 6-7 Agra-delhi - Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. day 8 depart delhi

included Highlights:� Walk through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Entrance and guided tour of Jaipur City Palace, Entrance and guided tour at Amber Fort Palace, Entrance and guided tour Fatephur Sikri, The Red Fort of Agra, The Taj Mahal, Entrance to l’timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj), Guided walk in Abhaneri village

goldEn trianglE

This classic journey takes you to some of the most exciting and alluring sites and cities of the region. Stories of love, tragedy and history unfold on this magical journey with colourful Rajasthan as your stunning backdrop.

8 Day • trip codE: aHGT • trip stylE: classic

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


BANGLADESH

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

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ab

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JaipurAgra

Delhi

Abhaneri


8 DaYs DelHi • Departs sunDaYs WeeKlY, sun-sun



*Would you like to explore India and Nepal?Check out trip code AHHN • Visit our website for details

Taj Mahal, India

The Red Fort, Agra

AccommodAtion:� Superior hotels (11 nts) trAnsport:� Private bus, fl ight Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout meALs incLuded:� 11 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHis - day 1 Arrive delhi - Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to your exclusive hotel, situated in one of the most convenient areas of the city. day 2 delhi (B,d) - Your Indian journey truly begins today, with a day spent in the capital, where India’s colonial and Moghul past sit alongside the bustling markets at Delhi’s vibrant heart. day 3 Agra (B,d) - Heading South today we reach Agra, home to two of India’s most famous landmarks - the iconic Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the world’s most romantic testament to love, whereas the Red Fort displays a more somber side, standing as a 400-year-old testament to the power of the Mughal Empire. day 4-5 Jaipur (2B,d) - A journey to the West today brings us to Jaipur, the 18th Century capital of Rajasthan, considered the jewel in India’s crown. Jaipur’s Palace of Winds, or Pink Palace, is an electic mix of styles and infl uences, most notable for its magnifi cent facade of pink windows and fi ligree screens. Nearby is the state’s ancient capital, Amber, a superb example of Rajput architecture. day 6-7 udaipur (2B,d) - Moving further into the heart of Rajasthan, we reach Udaipur, famous for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces.Considered by many to be the most romantic city in Rajasthan, the most impressive landmark is the Lake Palace, an island-palace created of white marble in Lake Pichola. day 8-9 Goa (2B,d) - Arriving in Goa we feel the change of pace. Much more than just beaches and sea, it has a soul developed through its unique history, rich culture and some of the most beautiful landscapes that India has to offer. The hardest choice you will have here is whether to relax on the beach, visit a Portuguese house, take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa’s churches and museum or simply indulge in the delicious local cuisine! day 10-11 mumbai (Bombay) (2B,d) - Our fi nal destination is the bustling commercial capital of India. Also, it wouldn’t be India is you didn’t take some time to indulge in a cup of tea, and where better to do that than at the famous Taj hotel next door afterwards! day 12 depart mumbai (B)

included Highlights:� City tour, Delhi, Taj Mahal Red Fort & Itimad ud Daalah entry, Jaipur city tour; Hawa Mahal & City Palace & Amber Fort, Udaipur city tour, entry City Palace, Mumbai city tour, entry Prince of Wales Museum and excursion to Elephanta Island.

india in stylE

From the grandeur of Mughal Palaces in the North to the relaxed natural beauty of the South, this journey through India is sure to capture your imagination. A vibrant land of contrasts, India offers a tantalizing mix of ancient and modern, iconic monuments, romantic palaces and unforgettable memories.

12 Day • trip codE: aHIS • trip stylE: classic

Panjim (Goa)

2 0 0 9FEB 2 FEB 13FEB 16 FEB 27MAR 2 MAR 13MAR 16 MAR 27MAR 30 APR 10

APR 13 APR 24APR 27 MAY 8AUG 3 AUG 14AUG 17 AUG 28AUG 31 SEP 11SEP 14 SEP 25

SEP 28 OCT 9OCT 12 OCT 23OCT 26 NOV 6NOV 9 NOV 20NOV 23 DEC 4DEC 7 DEC 18

DEC 21 JAN 12 0 1 0JAN 4 JAN 15JAN 18 JAN 29FEB 1 FEB 12FEB 15 FEB 26




12 DaYs DelHi to MuMBai • Departs MonDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (aug-apr), Mon-Fri

service LeveL superior pHYsicAL demAnd 2�




Varanasi, India

itinerArY AHeH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. View the imposing India Gate and marvel at the splendour of Connaught Place. day 3-4 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle of a Bollywood fi lm or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 5 Abhaneri - TAbhaneri is an ancient village set in the desert of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata temple. day 6-7 Agra - Travel to Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. day 8-9 orchha - Travelling via the fortress town of Gwalior, we retreat to the peaceful riverside town of Orchha. Explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, making sure to see the town’s imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj Temple. day 10 Khajuraho - One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. day 11-13 varanasi -Journey to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the

included Highlights:� Entrance and guided tour of Jaipur City Palace, Entrance and guided tour at Amberfort Palace, Entrance and guided tour Fatephor Sikiri, Walk in Old Delhi, Spice markets and Jama Masjid, Entrance to Taj Mahal, Guide and entrance to Red Fort, Entrance Gwalior Fort, Orchha Palace Complex, Entrance and guide Western Temple complex, River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle fl ower ceremony)

EssEntial india15 Day • trip codE: aHEH • trip stylE: classic

narrow twisting alleys, explore some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the mystical energy of the dawn bathing and burial rituals. day 14 delhi - Free morning in Varanasi to wander the ghats and do some last minute shopping before returning to the colour, noise and excitement of Delhi on an afternoon fl ight. day 15 depart delhi


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-ricksaw, small river boat, fl ight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD220 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� Trips starting August 1, 2008 to May 30, 2009 follow the 2008 brochured itinerary.

2 0 0 9JAN 3 JAN 17JaN 10 JAN 24JAN 17 JAN 31JAN 24 FEB 7JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 14 FEB 28FEB 28 MAR 14

MAR 15 MAR 29MAR 29 APR 12APR 12 APR 26APR 26 MAY 10MAY 10 MAY 24MAY 24 JUN 7JUL 5 JUL 19JUL 19 AUG 2

AUG 2 AUG 16AUG 16 AUG 30AUG 30 SEP 13SEP 13 SEP 27SEP 27 OCT 11OCT 11 OCT 25OCT 25 NOV 8NOV 8 NOV 22

NOV 22 DEC 6DEC 6 DEC 20DEC 20 JAN 32 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 17 JAN 31JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 14 FEB 28

FEB 28 MAR 14MAR 14 MAR 28MAR 28 APR 11APR 11 APR 25APR 25 MAY 9MAY 9 MAY 23MAY 23 JUN 6JUN 6 JUN 20



15 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs seleCt sat to FeB 2009, sat-sat. FroM Mar2009, Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY, sun-sun


This exploration of Northern India takes you from the extravagant Taj Mahal to the Ghats of Varanasi. See one of the few remaining tiger habitats and explore the ancient temples of Khajuraho in this unforgettable adventure.

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

Orchha

Gwalior

KhajurahoVaranasi

Delhi

JaipurAgra

Abhaneri

* Would you like to see some more wildlife?Add a trip to Corbett National Park before or after this trip. See trip code TAHCNC


namastETaken by Sharron Romanek (Canada), in AGRA, India.

“namastE,” shE shyly said as shE foldEd hEr hands and noddEd hEr hEad.‘‘This little beggar girl in front of the gates to the Taj Mahal, had

sun streaked hair and wore a tattered blue sari. Black powder under her eyes made them look even more haunting than they already were.

“Namaste”, the little girl offered again.

My voice behind the camera repeated,

“Namaste”

What a transcendent greeting. It’s different than saying “Hi,” “Hola”, or “Ciao”

It’s more poignant.

The word translates: “The God in me honours the God in you”.




Children, India

itinerArY AHHe - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. View the imposing India Gate and marvel at the splendour of Connaught Place. day 3-4 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle of a Bollywood film or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 5 Abhaneri -Abhaneri is an ancient village set in the desert of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata temple. day 6-7 Agra -Travel to Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. day 8-9 orchha - Travelling via the fortress town of Gwalior, we retreat to the peaceful riverside town of Orchha. Explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, making sure to see the town’s imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj Temple. day 10 Khajuraho - One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. day 11-13 varanasi - Journey to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, explore some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the mystical energy of the dawn bathing and burial rituals. In the evening of day 14 we take the overnight train to Delhi. day 14 delhi - Free morning in Varanasi to wander the ghats and do some last minute shopping before returning to the colour, noise and excitement of

included Highlights:� Entrance and guided tour of Jaipur City Palace, Entrance and guided tour at Amberfort Palace, Entrance and guided tour Fatephor Sikiri Walk in Old Delhi, Spice markets and Jama Masjid, Entrance to Taj Mahal, Entrance to I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Guide and entrance to Red Fort, Orchha Palace Complex, Entrance and guide Western Temple complex, River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony), Dutch (Mattencherry) palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Kathakali performance, Ride on Blue Mountain Railway, Tea factory, Safari into Madumalai National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Excursion to Somnathpur, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Srirangam Temple (Trichy), Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore), Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Periyar Tiger Reserve and guided walk, Tour of Spice Garden, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay

india EncompassEd

This in depth exploration of India will cover some of the best the country has to offer. Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, marvel at ancient temples, visit tiger habitats, discover the Ghats of Varanasi, and drift through the backwaters of Kerala. This month-long adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

28 Day • trip codE: aHHE • trip stylE: classic

Delhi on an afternoon flight. day 15-16 Kochi (cochin) - Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. The oldest church in India sits near mosques, synagogues and English manor homes. Feast on Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing. day 17 nilgiri Hills - Climb into the misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, covered in tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees. Hike through the plantations, learn how tea is grown and travel on the famous Blue Mountain railway. Day 18 Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary - Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India. day 19-20 mysore - Mysore is a popular destination for spiritual tourism. Join the pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top and Nandi the Bull below. You may also want to shop for silks and sandalwood. day 21-22 mamallapuram (mahabalipuram) - Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th century Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach. day 23 thanjavur (tanjore)/tiruchirapalli (trichy) - Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. In Thanjavur, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, and discover the architecture of the Chola Empire. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world. day 24 madurai -Travel to busy and colourful Madurai. Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop and try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks. day 25-26 periyar tiger reserve - Travel past plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is another one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world. day 27 Kerala Backwaters Homestay - Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by. Savour this idyllic region where boats are the main transport on our Backwater Homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here. day 28 depart Kochi (cochin) - Travel back to our starting point at Fort Kochi and depart.


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (23 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts), Homestay (1 nt) trAnsport:� Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-ricksaw, small river boat, flight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD420 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� Trip finishes in Kochi on Day 28 around midday. You may wish to arrange additional accommodation.

2 0 0 9MAR 15 APR 11MAR 29 APR 25APR 12 MAY 9APR 26 MAY 23MAY 10 JUN 6MAY 24 JUN 20

JUL 5 AUG 1JUL 19 AUG 15AUG 2 AUG 29AUG 16 SEP 12AUG 30 SEP 26SEP 13 OCT 10SEP 27 OCT 24

OCT 11 NOV 7OCT 25 NOV 21NOV 8 DEC 5NOV 22 DEC 19DEC 6 JAN 2DEC 20 JAN 162 0 1 0

JAN 3 JAN 30JAN 17 FEB 13JAN 31 FEB 27FEB 14 MAR 13FEB 28 MAR 27MAR 14 APR 10MAR 28 APR 24

APR 11 MAY 8APR 25 MAY 22MAY 9 JUN 5MAY 23 JUN 19JUN 6 JUL 3



28 DaYs DelHi to KoCHi • Departs seleCt sunDaYs, sun-sat

Mysore

Nilgiri Hills

ChennaiMamallapuram

Alleppey Madurai

Periyar NPKochi

Mudumalai NP

I N D I A

Delhi

Orchha

Gwalior

KhajurahoVaranasi

JaipurAgra

Abhaneri



Taj Mahal, India

itinerArY AHHH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India, and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. View the imposing India Gate and marvel at the splendour of Connaught Place. day 3-4 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle that is a Bollywood film or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 5 Abhaneri - Abhaneri is an ancient village set in the desert of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata temple. day 6-7 Agra - Travel to Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. days 8-9 Kochi (cochin) - Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. The oldest church in India sits near mosques, synagogues and English manor homes. Feast on Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing. day

included Highlights:� Walk through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Jaipur City Palace entrance and guide, Entrance and guide Amber Fort Palace, Entrance and guided tour Fatephur Sikri Monument, The Red Fort of Agra, The Taj Mahal, Entrance to l’timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj), Guided walk in Abhaneri village, Dutch (Mattencherry) palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Kathakali performance, Ride on Blue Mountain Railway, Tea factory, Safari into Madumalai National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Excursion to Somnathpur, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Srirangam Temple (Trichy), Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore), Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Periyar Tiger Reserve and guided walk, Tour of Spice Garden, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay

incrEdiblE india

This classic journey takes you to some of the most exciting and alluring sites and cities of the region. Stories of love, tragedy and history unfold on this magical journey and colourful Rajasthan creates a stunning backdrop.

21 Day • trip codE: aHHH • trip stylE: classic

10 nilgiri Hills - Climb into the misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, covered in tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees. Hike through the plantations, learn how tea is grown and travel on the famous Blue Mountain railway. Day 11 Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary - Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India. day 12-13 mysore - Mysore is a popular destination for spiritual tourism. Join the pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top and Nandi the Bull below. day 14-15 mamallapuram (mahabalipuram) - Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th centure Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach. day 16 thanjavur (tanjore)/tiruchirapalli (trichy) - Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. In Thanjavur, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, and discover the architecture of the Chola Empire. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world. day 17 madurai - Today travel to busy and colourful Madurai. Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop and try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks. day 18-19 periyar tiger reserve - Travel past plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world. day 20 Kerala Backwaters Homestay - Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by. Savour this idyllic region where boats are the main transport on our Backwater Homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here. day 21 depart Kochi (cochin)


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guest houses (17 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt) trAnsport:� Flights, trains, charter bus, taxis, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, camel cart. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout and Local Guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD125 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.note:� This trip finishes in Kochi on Day 21 around midday. You may wish to arrange additional accommodation..

2 0 0 9MAR 22 APR 11APR 5 APR 25APR 19 MAY 9

MAY 3 MAY 23MAY 17 JUN 6MAY 31 JUN 20JUL 12 AUG 1

JUL 26 AUG 15AUG 9 AUG 29AUG 23 SEP 12SEP 6 SEP 26

SEP 20 OCT 10OCT 4 OCT 24OCT 18 NOV 7NOV 1 NOV 21

NOV 15 DEC 5NOV 29 DEC 19DEC 13 JAN 2DEC 27 JAN 16

2 0 1 0JAN 10 JAN 30JAN 24 FEB 13FEB 7 FEB 27



21 DaYs DelHi to KoCHi • Departs seleCt sunDaYs, sun-sat

SRI LANKA


BANGLADESH

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

JaipurAgra

Delhi

Abhaneri

Mysore

Nilgiri Hills

Chennai

Mamallapuram

Alleppey Madurai

TiruchirapalliPeriyar NPKochi

Mudumalai NP

I N D I A




Traditional Dancers, Udaipur

Rajasthan, India

AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, camel, elephant Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 2 Breakfast, 2 Dinner BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� Trips starting July 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 follow the 2009 season brochured itinerary.

itinerArY AHrA - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Dive into the heart of India’s capital to explore both Old and New Delhi. Visit Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid, or walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets. day 3 Jodhpur - Arrive into the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Towering over the city, Meherangarh Fort, together with the palaces and bazaars, epitomizes all that is Rajasthan. day 4 ranakpur (d) - Travel to the outstanding Jain Temples at Ranakpur, made of white marble, these temples are architectural marvels. En route stop at the village of Salwas, which is the center of dhurry weaving. day 5-6 udaipur (B) - Drive to Udaipur one of the most whimsical and serene places in Rajasthan. The jewel of the city is the Lake Palace, rising out of Lake Pichola. day 7 Jojawar (d) - This little garrison fort was once a major principality of the Royal house of Marwar. Staying with the descendants of the original owners, we explore this small village by foot. day 8-9 pushkar (B) - Site of the world’s only temple to Brahma, Pushkar is often called “Tirth Raj,” the Raj (king) of pilgrimage centres. day 10 Bundi - Explore the small sleepy town of Bundi which is surrounded by the Aravali hills on three sides. An impressive medieval fort, a palace with unusual step wells and temples with stone idols along with a small lake in the heart of the town add to its charm. day 11-12 Jaipur - Travel to the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Visit India’s second most viewed site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, ride an elephant to the Amber Fort Palace. day 13 Agra - Enroute to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals and Itimad-ud-Daulah, the Baby Taj. Home to the Mughal kings for centuries, Agra also has some wonderful food specialities worth trying. day 14 delhi - Before returning to Delhi, we visit the site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Rising before sunrise to get the best light we enter this white marble masterpiece. In Agra we also ride on one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Red Fort. day 15 depart delhi

rajasthan advEnturE

Travelling through Rajasthan is like walking through a kaliedoscope of colour. Everywhere you look, colours are dancing before your eyes - from the saris drying on riverbeds, to the sunsets of Udaipur to the spice market in Jodhpur, and the white marble of the Taj Mahal. Be prepared to fall in love with India!

15 Day • trip codE: aHRa • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Orientation walk of Old Delhi; Jama Masjid, Sikh Gurduwara SisGanj, Meherangarh Fort, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Kumbhalgargh Fortress, Udaipur City Palace and orientation, Eklingji Palace , Cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli , Sunrise at Savitiri Temple, Sunset camel ride, Bundi Palace Complex, Amber Palace tour, Entrance and guide at Fatehpur Sikri Monuments, Entrance to Taj Mahal and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), Entrance and guided tour of Red Fort

Udaipur

JodhpurRanakpur

Fatehpur Sikri

Delhi

Bundi

Jojawar


15 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY, sun-sun


AccommodAtion:� Hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, small river boat, flight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 13 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner. BudGet:� Allow USD280 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Trips starting Jan 1, 2009 to Apr 30, 2009 follow 2009 season brochure itinerary. Trips starting Jul 1,2009 to Apr 30, 2010 follow 2010 season brochure itinerary. notes:� Not quite active enough for you? Take a look at ‘North India - Hike Bike and Raft’, code AHHB.

itinerArY AHJn - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi (B) - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid and climb the minaret for a view of the old city. day 3-4 varanasi (2B) - Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city. Explore the thousands of temples and shrines and experience the famous dawn rituals of bathing and burial, floating past the famous ghats of the Ganges on a sunrise boat excursion. day 5 Khajuraho (B) - Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho, and example of Chandela art. day 6 orchha (B) - Travel into the state of Madhya Pradesh and then continue on to the small town of Orchha, a real hidden gem. It owes its popularity to an architectural heritage as the oldest and highest in rank of all the Bundela states. day 7-8 Agra (2B) - Travel to Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark: the Taj Mahal and be sure to bring lots of film! day 9 rural rajasthan village (B,d) - Explore Bhandarej where you get a glimpse of the rural India of today, while staying at an ancient Fort. day 10 Jaipur (B) - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle that is a Bollywood film or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 11-12 udaipur (2B) - Continue to Udaipur, famous for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace made of white marble buildings sitting in the middle of Lake Pichola. day 13 mumbai (Bombay) (B) - Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, the world-famous Hindi-language film industry, is also the most happening cosmopolitian city of India. Here you can find people of every religion, from every part of world. This city is lively, young and it never sleeps. day 14 depart mumbai (B)

included Highlights:� Arrival transfer and daily breakfast, Tour of Old Delhi Tour including Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, Sunrise boat ride and sunset candle flower ceremony , Palace complex Orchha, Western Temple complex, Kandariya Dance Show, entrance to Taj Mahal, entrance to Red Fort, City Palace Jaipur, Amber Palace including elephant ride, City Palace Udiapur, Gateway of India and Dhoby Ghaut

jEwEls of north india

Tour North India in style, visiting some of the world’s most famous landmarks including the Taj Mahal, the River Ganges, the bazaars of Old Delhi and the temples of Khajuraho to name a few. Add the colour and heritage of Rajasthan and this really is the trip of a lifetime.

14 Day • trip codE: aHJN • trip stylE: classic

I N D I A

SRI LANKA


BANGLADESH

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

Delhi

Varanasi

Jaipur

Agra

Udaipur

Mumbai

OrchhaKhajuraho

Bhandarej



MAY 10 MAY 23JUL 19 AUG 1AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 16 AUG 29AUG 30 SEP 12


NOV 22 DEC 5DEC 6 DEC 19DEC 20 JAN 22 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 16




14 DaYs DelHi to MuMBai • Departs seleCt sunDaYs (jul-MaY), sun-sat





Monastery, Northern India

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (14 nts), Sleeper train (3 nts), Camping (2 nts) trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, small river boat, camel Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader thoughout meALs incLuded:� 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD280 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� This trip finishes on return to Delhi on Day 20, off the overnight train. You may want to arrange additional accommodation. recommendAtion:� Looking for some beach time too? Check out Uncover India - trip code AHUH.

itinerArY AHrH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Dive into the heart of India’s capital and explore Old Delhi. Visit Jarna Masjid and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of the old city or walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest markets. day 3-5 Jaisalmer & camel safari (B,d) - Traverse the Thar desert, behold Jaisalmer’s mud fortress and walled townships. Join a camel safari in the desert and spend the night around a campfire. day 6-7 Jodhpur - At Jodhpur, stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Explore the nooks and crannies of Mehrangarh Fort. day 8-10 udaipur - Continue southeast to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. day 11-12 pushkar - Drive over Snake Mountain to arrive in Pushkar. Site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation Brahma. Try out a camel ride in the desert or wander the markets of this holy Hindu centre. day 13-14 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem or ride an elephant to the sandstone and marble Jaigarh fort. day 15-16 Agra - Agra is home to India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Visit this icon of Mughal architecture either in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. day 17-19 varanasi (B) - Journey to the legendary Varanasi, the Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel to worship, to mourn or to die. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, visit some of the thousands of temples and shrines and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burial as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. day 20 depart delhi

roam india

India is home to great food, fascinating culture, alluring sights and friendly people. Discover the charms and mystery of this incredible country. For anyone looking for a true cultural adventure, India is for you!

20 Day • trip codE: aHRH • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Orientation walks in Old Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaipur, Overnight camel safari Jaisalmer, Sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar, River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony)

AgraJaisalmer

Jodhpur

camel safari

Udaipur

PushkarJaipur

Varanasi

Delhi

2 0 0 9JAN 5 JAN 24JaN 19 FEB 7FEB 2 FEB 21FEB 16 MAR 7

MAR 2 MAR 21MAR 16 APR 4MAR 30 APR 18APR 13 MAY 2APR 27 MAY 16


SEP 14 OCT 3SEP 28 OCT 17OCT 12 OCT 31OCT 26 NOV 14NOV 9 NOV 28




20 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs MonDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (jul-apr), Mon-sat


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Breakfast. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� This trip finishes on return to Delhi on Day 15, off the overnight train. You may want to arrange additional accommodation.

itinerArY AHsH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit the famous Jama Masjid and climb the minaret for a bird’s eye view of the old city. Travel by the swish new metro into Connaught Place, the center of New Delhi. day 3 Amritsar - Amritsar, literally meaning “holy pool of nectar”, is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Visit its numerous shrines and temples, including the famous Golden Temple. day 4-5 dharamsala/mcLeod Ganj - We make our way further along the Himalayan mountain roads towards Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile. Sometimes known as “Little Lhasa” after the Tibetan capital city, Dharamsala is home to generations of Buddhist monasteries. day 6-7 shimla - Travel on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, en route to the Himalayan hill town of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj. The railway is the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India. day 8-10 rishikesh/Haridwar - We continue on to Rishikesh one of the holiest cities in India, located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. Rishikesh is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 100 kilometers away from another holy city, Haridwar. day 11 Allahabad - This morning we visit Allahabad, holy city at the confluence of river Yamuna, Ganges and Saraswati (Mythological River). The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage and religious importance. day 12-14 varanasi - Arriving today into legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing along the ghats. day 15 depart delhi

included Highlights:� Old Delhi tour, Kalka Shimla Toy train, Entrance to Viceregal Lodge, Andretta artist village, Tea factory in the Kangra Valley, Baijnath Temple by Kangra Valley Railway, Guided tour of Norbulingka , Golden Temple and evening procession, India/Pakistan Wagah border ceremony, Sunrise and sunset boat ceremony on the Ganges, Entry fee Sarnath

spiritual india

From Buddhism to Hinduism to Sikhism, the Indian religious beliefs are as varied and diverse as India itself. Visit the cultural and spiritual centres of the major Indian religions while exploring the distinct natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh, the “Abode of Snow”.

15 Day • trip codE: aHSH • trip stylE: classic

Delhi

Mcleod Ganj/Dharamsala

Amritsar

Kangra Valley

Mandi

VaranasiAllahabad

Rishikesh

Shimla


APR 5 APR 19APR 19 MAY 10MAY 3 MAY 31MAY 17 JUN 21MAY 31 JUL 12

JUN 14 JUN 28JUN 28 JUL 12JUL 12 JUL 26SEP 6 SEP 20SEP 20 OCT 4

OCT 4 OCT 18OCT 18 NOV 1NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 15 NOV 29NOV 29 DEC 13


FEB 7 FEB 21FEB 21 MAR 7MAR 7 MAR 21MAR 21 APR 4APR 4 APR 18



15 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (sep-jul), sun-sun






Thali meal, India

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (13 nts) trAnsport:� Metro, train, bus, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, flight Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Would like to see more of India? Why not add Varanasi? Check out trip code TAHVNN

itinerArY AHGH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Your Indian food journey begins in the capital, a bustling centre offering both contrasting sights to see in Old and New Delhi and a merging of regional cuisines to sample. day 3 Agra - Agra is home to two of India’s most famous landmarks: the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to move between both sites. Visit these icons of Mughal architecture either in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. day 4-5 Jaipur - Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur. Home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem or ride an elephant to the cliff top fort palace at Amber, one of the most spectacular in India. day 6-7 udaipur - Continue to Udaipur, famous for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace made of white marble buildings in Lake Pichola. day 8-9 mumbai (Bombay) - No gourmet visit to Mumbai would be complete without tasting the local catch, and we rise at dawn to watch the morning ritual at the Sassoon Docks, South Mumbai’s main fish loading and trading centre. Shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj hotel next door. day 10-12 chennai-mamallapuram-pondicherry - Discover another one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th Century Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach. Visit neighboring Pondicherry most famous for its French cuisine. day 13 Goa - Visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, discover the churches of Old Goa and indulge in as much of the incredible Goan food as you can! day 14 depart Goa

gourmEt india

Treat your taste buds from the bustling Indian capital of Delhi all the way to laid back Goa. Curries, camels, temples, beaches, spice markets and The Taj are all part and parcel of this trip as you experience the wildly different flavours of Indian cuisine.

14 Day • trip codE: aHGH • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Orientation walk in Old Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Mumbai, entrance to Taj Mahal and Red Fort Agra, Cooking demonstrations and lectures

Panjim (Goa)

MamallapuramPondicherry

Chennai

2 0 0 9FEB 8 FEB 21FeB 22 MAR 7MAR 8 MAR 21MAR 22 APR 4

APR 5 APR 18JUL 12 JUL 25JUL 26 AUG 8AUG 9 AUG 22AUG 23 SEP 5

SEP 6 SEP 19SEP 20 OCT 3OCT 4 OCT 17OCT 18 OCT 31NOV 1 NOV 14



MAR 21 APR 3APR 4 APR 17



14 DaYs DelHi to goa • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (jul-apr), sun-sat


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 2 breakfasts 2 dinners BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� Trips starting Aug 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009 follow the 2009 brochure itinerary. Oct 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010 follow the 2010 brochure.

itinerarY aHtW - Day 1 arrive Delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 Jabalpur - This typical Indian provincial capital is well off the tourist trail. day 3-5 Kanha np - Continuing on through spectacular countryside to Kanha National Park. Rudyard Kipling based his tale on the wildlife of Kanha, home to those famous childhood characters - Shere Khan the Tiger, Baloo the Bear, Bagheera the Panther and the formidable Rock Python Kaa. This protected wildlife reserve is arguably one of the best places to spot the endangered tiger in the wild. day 6-8 Bandhavgarh np - Travel deep into Madhya Pradesh to Bandhavgarh National Park. This is truly one of India’s magnificent wildernesses and with a relative abundance of tigers compared to other National Parks, we increase our chances of spotting one. day 9-10 Khajuraho - One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. day 11 orchha - Travelling via the fortress town of Gwalior, we retreat to the peaceful riverside town of Orchha. Explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, making sure to see the town’s imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj Temple. day 12-13 ranthambore np - Travel to Sawai Madhopur, where Ranthambore National Park, one of the original Project Tiger Reserves is located. We have two days to take safaris into the park with its lakes, scrublands and ruined palaces, as well as abundant wildlife spotting including deer, birds and monkeys. If we are lucky, we may even see one of the resident tigers. day 14 depart delhi

included Highlights:� Walk in Old Delhi, Spice markets and Jama Masjid, Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Entry & Guide Western Temple Complex Khajuraho, Kandaliya Dance Performance, Entry and Guide Orcha Fort, Entrance to Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park, Safari in Kanha National Park

tigErs and wildlifE advEnturE

We have picked four of the best Wildlife Parks that India has to offer in this exciting 2-week adventure! Search for tigers, spotted deer, sloth bears, panthers and Siberian cranes in this varied journey. Add in the cosmopolitan city of Delhi and the ancient splendour of Agra with the Taj Mahal, and you have yourself a true wildlife adventure.

14 Day • trip codE: aHTW • trip stylE: classic

I N D I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gu l f o f K a ch c h

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

Delhi

Jabalapur

Kanha NP

Bandhavgarh NP

Ranthanbore NP

SRI LANKA


B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

Orchha

Khajuraho

2 0 0 9JAN 12 JAN 25JAN 26 FEB 8FEB 9 FEB 22

FEB 23 MAR 8MAR 9 MAR 22MAR 23 APR 5APR 6 APR 19

APR 20 MAY 3OCT 19 NOV 1NOV 2 NOV 15NOV 16 NOV 29

NOV 30 DEC 13DEC 14 DEC 27DEC 28 JAN 102 0 1 0

JAN 11 JAN 24JAN 25 FEB 7FEB 8 FEB 21FEB 22 MAR 7

MAR 8 MAR 21MAR 22 APR 4APR 5 APR 18



14 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs MonDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (oCt-apr), Mon-sun

Tiger, India





Coast, Goa

AccommodAtion:� Comfort hotels (12 nts), Houseboat (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, houseboat, flight. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 13 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners. BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHJs - day 1 Arrive mumbai - Arrive in Mumbai at any time. day 2 mumbai (B) - Rise at dawn to watch the morning ritual at the Sassoon Docks, South Mumbai’s main fish loading and trading centre. From here, boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or Place of Caves). day 3-4 mamallapuram-pondicherry (2B) - Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th century Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot and relax on the beach with a cold Indian beer. day 5 Kumbakonam (tanjore)(B) - Home to the Chola Kingdom in the 9th Century AD, Kumbakonam is better known as “Temple Town” due to the many intricate and impressive structures that can be found in the surrounding area, forming an important part of Indian spiritual history. day 6-7 madurai (2B) - Madurai is synonymous with the wonderful Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Shiva and his consort Meenakshi. Especially impressive are the 12 soaring towers covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters, painted in vivid colours. day 8-9 periyar tiger reserve (2B) - One of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in India (and indeed, the world), Periyar is part of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project designed to protect Royal Bengal Tigers from extinction. day 10 Houseboat (B,L,d) - We take a journey through the backwaters around Alappuzha and Kottyam areas in our private houseboat. day 11 Kochi (B) - Relive the days of the colonial era during your time in Kochi. Tour Fort Kochi, or visit the perfectly restored Dutch Palace and the oldest Jewish synagogue. We also take in a performance of Kathakali, considered one of the oldest dance forms in India. day 12-13 Goa (2B) - Known the world over for its beautiful beaches and distinctive Portugese flavour, Goa ia a delightful mix of religions and cultures. We tour Old Goa and Panjim with their fascinating churches and cathedrals. day 14 depart Goa (B)

jEwEls of south india

Explore a 1100 year old World Heritage site, check out beautiful hill stations, and discover colourful temples on this journey through the south of India. Take a jungle safari in search of tigers and wild elephants, witness ancient dance rituals, cruise the backwaters on a comfortable houseboat in Kerala and unwind in Goa. This is an adventure in style!

14 Day • trip codE: aHJS • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Arrival transfer and daily breakfast, Excursion to Elephant Island, Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue, Kathakali Dance Performance,Excursion and local guide for Backwaters, Periyar Tiger Reserve and guided walk, Tour of Spice Garden, Sri Meenakshi Temple, Shore Temple, Hill stations, Goan Beaches

I N D I AGoa

Mumbai

Chennai

Pondicherry

Mamallapuram

AllepeyMadurai

Kodaikanal

Periyar NP

Kochi

2 0 0 9JAN 4 JAN 17JaN 18 JAN 31FEB 1 FEB 14FEB 15 FEB 28

MAR 1 MAR 14MAR 15 MAR 28MAR 29 APR 11APR 12 APR 25AUG 1 AUG 14



2 0 1 0JAN 2 JAN 15JAN 16 JAN 29JAN 30 FEB 12FEB 13 FEB 26

FEB 27 MAR 12MAR 13 MAR 26MAR 27 APR 9APR 10 APR 23APR 24 MAY 7



14 DaYs MuMBai to goa • Departs seleCt sun to april 2009, sun-sat. FroM aug 2009, Departs saturDaYs tWiCe MontHlY, sat-Fri


AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (1 nts). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals are included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� Looking for some relaxing beach time? Why not add a Goa Beach Extension to the end of this tour? See trip code TAHGBC

itinerArY AHuH - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 Agra - Agra is home to two of India’s most famous landmarks: the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to move between both sites. day 3-4 Jaipur - Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, which is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem or ride an elephant to the clifftop fort palace at Amber. day 5-6 pushkar - Site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation Brahma, Pushkar is often called Tirth Raj, the “King of Pilgrim Centres”. day 7-9 udaipur - Continue to Udaipur, famous for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace made of white marble buildings in Lake Pichola. day 10-11 mount Abu - Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 m above sea level is the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India. It is known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty. day 12 mumbai (Bombay) - Shoot a picture of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj hotel next door. From here, boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or Place of Caves), famous for its cave temples carved straight from the rock. day 13-14 Goa - Relax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, discover the churches of Old Goa and take in as much of the incredible Goan food as you can! day 15 depart Goa

included Highlights:� Orientation walks in Old Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Mount Abu and Mumbai, Sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar

uncovEr india - dElhi to goa

From Delhi, the Indian government capital, snake your way through the country discovering lakes, palaces, forts and incredible cuisine to find yourself in Goa, the Indian party capital. Mouth watering curries, mysterious temples, harems and holy men are all part and parcel of this trip.

15 Day • trip codE: aHUH • trip stylE: classic

Pushkar

Panjim (Goa)

Mt. Abu

2 0 0 9JAN 12 JAN 26JAN 19 FEB 2JAN 26 FEB 9FEB 2 FEB 16

FEB 9 FEB 23FEB 16 MAR 2FEB 23 MAR 9MAR 2 MAR 16MAR 9 MAR 23

MAR 23 APR 6APR 6 APR 20APR 20 MAY 4JUL 20 AUG 3AUG 3 AUG 17

AUG 17 AUG 31AUG 31 SEP 14SEP 7 SEP 21SEP 14 SEP 28SEP 21 OCT 5

SEP 28 OCT 12OCT 5 OCT 19OCT 12 OCT 26OCT 19 NOV 2OCT 26 NOV 9

NOV 2 NOV 16NOV 9 NOV 23NOV 16 NOV 30NOV 23 DEC 7NOV 30 DEC 14


15 DaYs DelHi to goa • Departs seleCt MonDaYs (jul-apr), Mon-Mon






South India

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/Guest Houses (5 nts), Homestay (1 nt) trAnsport:� Bus, Boat, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaw Group size:� Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides meALs incLuded:� 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner notes:� Trips starting Aug 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009 follow the 2009 brochure itinerary. Aug 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010 follow the 2010 brochure. This tour ends in Kochi on day 7 around midday. You may want to arrange additional accommodations. BudGet:� Allow USD120 for meals not included

itinerArY AHBB - day 1 Kochi - Arrive in Kochi at any time. day 2 Allepey - This pleasant market town, where coconut-tree fringed canals and roadways are used for transport, is famous for the annual ‘snake boat’ races held in August. We use the river boats to take us to our homestay. day 3-4 periyar tiger reserve - Further into the Western Ghats is the acclaimed wildlife sanctuary of Periyar which attracts herds of wild elephants, the park also sees sambar and spotted deer. We take a boat onto the lake and enjoy a guided nature walk to better explore the area. day 5-6 varkala - A temple town known for many yoga and massage centres, Varkala means just one thing for many visitors - a chance for some time on the beach. It is the only place in southern Kerala where one can fi nd cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea. day 7 depart Kochi

bEachEs & backwatErs

Enter the stunning tropical beauty of southern India - luxuriate on white sand beaches, watch the sun set over the Indian ocean, drift through the tranquil backwaters and arise at dawn to see the wildlife at its most active. Explore temples, experiment with yoga or be pampered with a massage - an incredible week of awesome sights and relaxing interludes.

7 Day • trip codE: aHBB • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Orientation walk Fort Kochi, Entrance fees and guided walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantations, Backwater homestay.

I N D I A

Allepey

Varkala

Periyar NPKochi

2 0 0 9FEB 16 FEB 22FEB 23 MAR 1MAR 2 MAR 8MAR 9 MAR 15

MAR 16 MAR 22MAR 23 MAR 29APR 6 APR 12APR 20 APR 26MAY 4 MAY 10

AUG 3 AUG 9AUG 17 AUG 23AUG 31 SEP 6SEP 14 SEP 20SEP 21 SEP 27

SEP 28 OCT 4OCT 5 OCT 11OCT 12 OCT 18OCT 19 OCT 25OCT 26 NOV 1

NOV 2 NOV 8NOV 9 NOV 15NOV 16 NOV 22NOV 23 NOV 29NOV 30 DEC 6

DEC 7 DEC 13DEC 14 DEC 20DEC 21 DEC 27DEC 28 JAN 32010



7 DaYs KoCHi • Departs seleCt MonDaYs (aug-apr), Mon-Mon


AccommodAtion:� Guesthouses/hotels (11 nts), Home-stay (multi-share) (1 nt), Overnight train (1 nt) trAnsport:� Train, local bus, charter bus, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry, private boat, bicycle, country boat Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader, local guides. meALs incLuded:� 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD220 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� This tour ends in Kochi on day 14 around midday. You may wish to arrange additional accommodations

itinerArY AHBs - day 1 Arrive Kochi - Arrive in Kochi at any time. day 2 Kochi - Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. Feast on Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing. day 3 nilgiri Hills - Climb into the misty Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, covered in tea plantations, grape gardens and eucalyptus trees. Hike through the plantations, learn how tea is grown and travel on the famous Blue Mountain railway. Day 4 Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary (D) - Spend the night at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides one of the most important refuges for the elephant and bison in India. day 5-6 mysore (B) - Join the pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top and Nandi the Bull below. day 7-8 mamallapuram - Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th centure Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach. day 9 thanjavur (tanjore)/tiruchirapalli (trichy) - Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. In Thanjavur, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, and discover the architecture of the Chola Empire. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world. day 10 madurai - Today travel to busy and colourful Madurai. Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop and try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks. day 11-12 periyar tiger reserve - Travel a road through plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world. day 13 Kerala Backwaters Homestay (L,d) - Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by. Savour this idyllic region where boats are the main transport on our Backwater Homestay - a great chance to meet, talk and eat with the people who live here. day 14 depart Kochi (B)

included Highlights:� Dutch (Mattencherry) palace, Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Kathakali performance, Ride on Blue Mountain Railway, Tea factory, Safari into Madumalai National Park, Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple, Excursion to Somnathpur, Mamallapuram Shore Temples, Pondicherry, Srirangam Temple (Trichy), Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore), Cycle rickshaw tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple, Periyar Tiger Reserve and guided walk , Tour of Spice Garden, Excursion and local guide for Backwaters Homestay

bEst of southErn india

Enter a world where time feels like it has stood still. From the 7th century Shore Temples at Mamallapuram, to the tigers of Periyar National Park, and from the backwaters of Kerala to the cool Nilgiri Hills, uncover the best of Southern India.

14 Day • trip codE: aHBS • trip stylE: classic

Mysore

Nilgiri Hills

Chennai

MamallapuramPondicherry

Alleppey Madurai

TiruchirapalliPeriyar NPKochi

Mudumalai NP

I N D I A



MAY 24 JUN 6JUN 7 JUN 20JUL 19 AUG 1AUG 2 AUG 15AUG 16 AUG 29

AUG 30 SEP 12SEP 13 SEP 26SEP 27 OCT 10OCT 11 OCT 24OCT 25 NOV 7


JAN 3 JAN 16JAN 17 JAN 30JAN 31 FEB 13FEB 14 FEB 27FEB 28 MAR 13



14 DaYs eX KoCHi • Departs seleCt MonDaYs to MarCH 2009, Mon-sun. FroM april 2009, Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY, sun-sat



*Looking to add a bit more beach time?Why not add Goa? Check out trip code TAHGBC

* Looking for a little more comfort? Check out Jewels of South India - trip code AHJC


AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (18 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, jeep, cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, boat, fl ight Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� This tour ends in Kochi on day 21 around midday. You may want to arrange addditional accommodations.

itinerArY AHdc - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 Agra - Agra is home to two of India’s most famous landmarks: the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Ride one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws between both sites. Visit these icons of Mughal architecture either in the early morning or in the late afternoon for the best light. day 3-4 Jaipur - Travel via Fatehpur Sikri to the Pink City of Jaipur, which is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem or ride an elephant to the clifftop fort palace at Amber, one of the most spectacular in India. day 5-6 pushkar - Site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation Brahma, Pushkar is often called Tirth Raj, the “King of Pilgrim Centres”. If you’re lucky, visit the world famous annual Pushkar Camel Fair, complete with both livestock and craft markets, camel races, concerts and exhibitions. day 7-9 udaipur - Continue to Udaipur, famous for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace made of white marble buildings in Lake Pichola. day 10-11 mount Abu - Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 m above sea level is the only hill station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India. It is known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty, situated amidst lush green forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range is also the summer capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan, home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests, day 12 mumbai (Bombay) - Rise at dawn to watch the morning ritual at the Sassoon Docks, South Mumbai’s main fi sh loading and trading centre. Shoot a photo of the Gateway to India, facing westward out to sea and stop in for a cup of tea at the famous Taj hotel next door. From here, boats leave for Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or Place of Caves), famous for its cave temples carved straight from the rock. day 13-14 Goa

discovEr india - dElhi to cochin

An incredible 3-week adventure through India. Majestic palaces, temples, white sand beaches, lush green forested hills, wildlife spotting, bustling cities and mouth watering curries await!

21 Day • trip codE: aHDC • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Orientation walks in Old Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Mumbai, Sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar, Heritage walk in Ahmedabad, Orientation walk Fort Kochi, Entrance and guided walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Spice Plantations

Pushkar

Panjim (Goa)

Mt. Abu

Allepey

Varkala

Periyar NPKochi

2 0 0 9FEB 2 FEB 22FEB 9 MAR 1FEB 16 MAR 8FEB 23 MAR 15MAR 2 MAR 22MAR 9 MAR 29MAR 23 APR 12

APR 6 APR 26APR 20 MAY 10JUL 20 AUG 9AUG 3 AUG 23AUG 17 SEP 6AUG 31 SEP 20SEP 7 SEP 27SEP 14 OCT 4

SEP 21 OCT 11SEP 28 OCT 18OCT 5 OCT 25OCT 12 NOV 1OCT 19 NOV 8OCT 26 NOV 15NOV 2 NOV 22NOV 9 NOV 29

NOV 16 DEC 6NOV 23 DEC 13NOV 30 DEC 20DEC 7 DEC 27DEC 14 JAN 3DEC 21 JAN 10DEC 28 JAN 172 0 1 0

JAN 4 JAN 24JAN 11 JAN 31JAN 18 FEB 7JAN 25 FEB 14FEB 1 FEB 21FEB 8 FEB 28FEB 15 MAR 7FEB 22 MAR 14

MAR 1 MAR 21MAR 8 MAR 28MAR 15 APR 4MAR 22 APR 11MAR 29 APR 18APR 5 APR 25APR 12 MAY 2APR 19 MAY 9



21 DaYs DelHi to KoCHi • Departs seleCt MonDaYs (jul-apr), Mon-sun


Indian Women


- Relax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, discover the churches of Old Goa and take in as much of the incredible Goan food as you can! day 15 Kochi - Small islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history, all connected by wooden ferries, welcome you to Fort Kochi. The oldest church in India beside mosques, synagogues and English manor homes. Feast on delightful Keralan food and enjoy a performance of Kathakali dancing. day 16 Allepey - This pleasant market town, famous for its August ‘snake boat’ races, uses canals and roadways for transport, both fringed by coconut trees. We use the river boats to take us to our homestay. day 17-18 periyar tiger reserve - Further into the Western Ghats is the acclaimed wildlife sanctuary of Periyar which attracts herds of wild elephants, the park also sees sambar and spotted deer. We take a boat onto the lake and enjoy a guided nature walk to better explore the area. day 19-20 varkala - A temple town known for its yoga and massage centers, Varkala means just one thing for many visitors - a chance for some time on the beach. It is the only place in southern Kerala where one can fi nd cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea. day 21 depart Kochi

* Not enough beach time?Why not add a Goa beach break? See trip code TAHGBC


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - maldivEs, sri lanka

Dhoni Sailing in the Maldives

Reclining Buddha, Sri Lanka

AccommodAtion:� Dhoni boat (6 nts). trAnsport:� Traditional dhoni. Group size:� Max 14, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Skipper and crew. meALs incLuded:� 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners. BudGet:� Allow USD60 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. BudGet:� Pick up and drop off is at Male Airport boat pier.

itinerArY Afms - day 1 Arrive male (L,d) - Arrive in Male and transfer to your awaiting dhoni, the traditional boat of the Maldives people. Get settled in your cabins and set off on your 7 day cruise through the spectacular islands of the Maldives. day 2-6 cruising the Atolls (5B,5L,5d) - The coral and sand islands that make up the Maldives are clustered into 26 different atolls. Your days will be spent cruising through the beautiful waters during the days and stopping at a beach or small village for a chance to experience the local life. At night, the boat will moor near a small harbour or beach. Some of the stops will include small fi shing villages, uninhabited islands, and plenty of chances for swimming and snorkelling. day 7 depart male (B)

included Highlights:� 6-day traditional dhoni cruise

maldivEs dhoni sailing

Take a relaxing voyage through many of the least developed atolls that make up the Maldives. On our traditional Dhoni we’ll visit isolated beaches, small towns and traditional fishing villages. Learn the local way of life and snorkel in clear waters during this onboard sailing adventure.

7 Day • trip codE: aFMS • trip stylE: classic

Male

Emboodhoo Finolhu


Felidhoo

Ambaraa

Dhiggaru Fenboa Finolhu (Meemu Atoll)

M A L D I V E I S L A N D S


MAR 2 MAR 8MAR 16 MAR 22MAR 30 APR 5SEP 26 OCT 2OCT 10 OCT 16

OCT 24 OCT 30NOV 7 NOV 13NOV 21 NOV 27DEC 5 DEC 112 0 1 0


MAR 20 MAR 26APR 3 APR 9SEP 25 OCT 1OCT 9 OCT 15OCT 23 OCT 29

NOV 6 NOV 12NOV 20 NOV 26DEC 4 DEC 10



7 DaYs eX Male • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (sep-Mar), sat-Fri


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Simple Guesthouses (7 nts). trAnsport:� Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, bicycle. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. notes:� This tour ends in Colombo on day 8 around midday. You may want to arrange additional accommodations.

itinerArY Assp - day 1 Arrive colombo - Arrive in Colombo at any time. day 2 sigiriya - Drive through some spectacular scenery and beautiful villages, arriving in Sigiriya, a small town dwarfed by the magnifi cent Rock Fortress. day 3 Anuradhapura and dambulla - Sri Lanka’s fi rst capital and a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, Anuradhapura is the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. Examine the world’s biggest area of wall paintings at nearby Dambulla Rock Temple. day 4 polonnaruwa - Start the morning with a climb up the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress before exploring the graceful granite Buddhas of Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. day 5 pinnawala and Kandy - Get up close with the elephants at the orphanage centre in Pinnawala. Continue on to Kandy, the ‘capital’ of the hill country, a relaxing lakeside town surrounded by hills and tea plantations. day 6 uda Walawe national park - Enjoy a game drive through Yala National Park where you may catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, slots, and mongoose in their natural habitat. day 7 Galle - Stop at the once busy colonial port town of Galle, dominated by the Dutch Fort. day 8 depart colombo

included Highlights:� Cultural Triangle Ticket (sites in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy), Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy Tooth Temple, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, Kandy dancers.

sri lanka EXpEriEncE

Scramble over rock fortresses, and be amazed at rock painings centuries old in this experience of a lifetime. Be moved by the elephant orphanage and completely in awe on a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park, where you may see leopards, elephants and crocodiles before returning to the urban jungle of Colombo.

8 Day • trip codE: aSSP • trip stylE: classic

Colombo

Kandy

Uda Walawe NP

Galle

Polonnaruwa Sigiriya

Anuradhapura

SRI LANKA

2 0 0 9JAN 4 JAN 11JAN 25 FEB 1FEB 15 FEB 22MAR 8 MAR 15

MAR 29 APR 5SEP 20 SEP 27OCT 4 OCT 11OCT 18 OCT 25NOV 1 NOV 8



MAR 21 MAR 28SEP 26 OCT 3OCT 10 OCT 17OCT 24 OCT 31NOV 7 NOV 14

NOV 21 NOV 28DEC 5 DEC 12DEC 19 DEC 26



8 DaYs eX ColoMBo • Departs seleCt sunDaYs (sep-Mar), sun-sun



* Want more Maldives?Why not add a beach break? See trip code TAFMBS

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 93bangladEsh - asia

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (10 nts), Boat (3 nts) trAnsport:� Public bus, Aircon bus, boat Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides meALs incLuded:� No meals included BudGet:� Allow USD160 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHBA - day 1 Arrive dhaka - Arrive in Dhaka at any time day 2 dhaka - A thriving city of 14 million people, Dhaka is an unforgettable experience - bustling bazaars, beautiful mosques and historic forts await. day 3 rangamati - Green hills, lakes, tribal peoples, traditional textiles and jewelry make Rangamati a favourite destination in Bangladesh. day 4 Bandarban - Time seems to have stood still in this stunningly beautiful town near the Burmese border. Hills, waterfalls, the River Sangu, and fascinating tribal cultures are the main attractions of Bandarban. day 5 chittagong - Green hills, waterfalls and traditional villages lead back to the historic sea port of Chittagong. day 6-7 srimongol & Lawacherra - See Gibbons swing through the trees of the Lawacherra rain forest, taste the product of the surrounding tea plantations and perhaps purchase a traditional weaving from the Khasia & Manipuri people. day 8 dhaka - Get to know the locals on the train back to Dhaka. day 9-11 sundarbans - Cruise the myriad waterways of the world’s greatest mangrove forest, home to incredible birds and wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tiger. day 12 Khulna - Leaving the waterways we overnight in this 15th century town, the most important in the area. days 13 dhaka - In Dhaka there is time for shopping and sightseeing in this brilliantly chaotic city as well as a fi nal memorable taste of Bangladeshi cuisine. day 14 depart dhaka

included Highlights:� Sundarbans boat trip, Lawachhara Forest Reserve

bangladEsh advEnturE

Bangladesh is a country with a great deal to offer. Meet the numerous ethnic peoples inhabiting the rich green hill country, spot a variety of wildlife, explore historic forts and travel the tentacled waterways of the Sundabans, the vast delta where Brahmaputra and Ganges meet.

14 Day • trip codE: aHBa • trip stylE: classic

Sundarbans

KhulnaChittagong

Bandarban

Rangamati

Srimongol

Dhaka

B A N G L A D E S H

2 0 0 9FEB 8 FEB 21MAR 8 MAR 21

APR 5 APR 18JUL 26 AUG 8AUG 9 AUG 22

SEP 6 SEP 19OCT 4 OCT 17NOV 1 NOV 14

NOV 29 DEC 122 0 1 0JAN 10 JAN 23

FEB 7 FEB 20MAR 7 MAR 20APR 4 APR 17



14 DaYs eX DHaKa • Departs seleCt sunDaYs, sun-sat

Bengal Tiger, Bangladesh


* Have a little more time?Why not add a short trip to Nepal? Check out trip code TANNHC

pushkar, thE slEEpy littlE town on thE EdgE of thE thar dEsErt comEs

alivE with EXcitEmEnt EvEry yEar.The most popular event is the camel race (of course!) and people come in droves to enjoy this dust-raising spectacle. I whipped out my brand new Nikon and clicked away furiously. As I glanced around at the crowd, I saw a little girl, few spectators away, gazing at me shyly from behind her mother’s arms. I focused my camera on her and clicked. During the intermission, I made my way to where her mother squatted and both their eyes widened when they looked at the pictures on my camera display. They broke into peals of laughter when I spoke in Hindi. Eventually, I was invited over to share dinner with the family.


thE gaZETaken by Sunitha Palaveettil (Canada) in RAJASTHAN, India




goldEn trianglE - dElhi, agra & jaipur6 Day • trip codE: TaHGTC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt


Spend 6 days traversing the famed Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Explore the sites of hectic Delhi and onto Agra to marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and arguably one of the most recognisable structures on the planet. Visit Fatephur Sikri, the ‘Deserted City’ of red sandstone, the Amber Fort and the sites of Jaipur - all await you in the frenzy of culture and history that makes up India’s Golden Triangle.


varanasi EXpEriEncE4 Day • trip codE: TaHVNC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Spend 4 days exploring the mystical and holy Hindu city of Varanasi. Take a memorable sunrise boat trip down the Ganges River and be enthralled by the thousands of devotees who come down to the banks of the river to absolve themselves of their sins against an incredible backdrop of ghats (steps leading down to the river) and centuries old temples. Explore the narrow winding lanes in search of exquisite silks and brassware, brocaded fabrics, stunning saris and unique jewellery. Visit Sarnath, known as the birthplace of Buddhism and the site of the enlightened Buddha’s first sermon.



yoga rEtrEat5 Day • trip codE: TaHyRN • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Leave the chaotic capital behind and head for the hills. Made famous by a visit from The Beatles, Rishikesh is the scenically located “Gateway to the Himalayas” and the yoga capital of the world. A tranquil and restful retreat for the spiritual traveller, enjoy a varied programme of yoga and meditation. If you are in the mood for something more active check out the world-class white water rafting on the River Ganges, or head into the lesser Himalayas for trekking and rock climbing.



goa bEach brEak5 Day • trip codE: TaHGBC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt


Goa, a favourite of travellers from all around the world since the days of the Hippie Trail in the 1960s, offers so much more than just the beach. Visitors come here for the unique history, rich Portuguese-influenced culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Spend 5 days getting your fix of sun and surf, or shopping for unique souvenirs and treasures at the flea markets. Seafood being a specialty here, you cannot miss the prawn balchao or the kingfish in garlic sauce, just a few of the local favourites.


taj mahal EXtEnsion3 Day • trip codE: TaHTNC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Visit the New “Wonder of the World” and most famous testament to love, the Taj Mahal. Featured in movies, photographs and admired by millions, ‘The Taj’ is perhaps one of the most recognisable structures on the planet and something that everyone must see with their own eyes at least once in their lifetime. Also visit the 16th Century city of Fatehpur Sikri, which boasts one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid, and take a trip to the poignant Tomb of Akbar, with its beautiful calligraphy and stunning artwork.



corbEtt national park safari5 Day • trip codE: TaHCNC • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the expansive Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is famous for its wild population of tigers, leopards and elephants and is named for Jim Corbett, a hunter and naturalist instrumental in its establishment. This was India’s first national park, established in 1936 and was originally known as the Hailey National Park. Enjoy the opportunity to relax in beautiful surroundings on the edge of the Himalayas and venture out for game viewing, safari from jeep and by elephant-back!



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 95india, bhutan - asia

itinerArY AHds - days 1 Kolkata - Arrive in Kolkata at any time. day 2 Kolkata (B) - Visit the fl ower markets, wander the riverside ghats and head over to the magnifi cent Victoria Memorial, a remnant of colonial rule. days 3-4 darjeeling (2B) - Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Kangchenjunga from the vantage point of Tiger Hill and a ride on one of India’s famous ‘toy trains’. You simply can’t come to Darjeeling and not sample a cup of its tea! days 5-6 Gangtok (2B) - Dominated by mountains and replete with ‘gompas’, the capital of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim retains evidence of its ancient ties with Tibet. day 7 Kalimpong (B) - Uncover the secrets of Kalimpong’s colourful history and diverse ethnic heritage. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Hindu Temples, brilliantly colored orchids and fantastic mountain views. day 8 phuentsholing (B,d) - First magical glimpse of the Land of the Thunder Dragon in the border town of Phuentsholing, alongside the Torsa River. day 9 thimphu (B,L,d) - Travel the winding route to the tiny and picturesque Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. days 10-11 punakha & Wangdue (2B,2l,2D) - Both built between two rivers, Punakha is home to one of Bhutan’s lovliest dzongs and the winter capital, whilst Wangdue commands strategic and impressive views over all approaches. days 12-13 paro (2B,2L,2d) - Dominated by its dramatic Dzong, this town is also our base for visiting the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Bhutan’s most iconic site - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair. day 14 depart Kolkata (B)

Taktsang, Bhutan

Darjeeling

I N D I A

BHUTAN

Gangtok

Paro

Phuentsholing

Punakha

Wangdue

Thimphu

Kalimpong

Kolkata

included Highlights:� Kolkata’s fl ower market, Victoria Memorial, KaliGhat Temple, Darjeeling Toy train, Sunrise at Tiger Hill, Dr Graham School, Visit to a tea estate, Rumtek Monastery, Paro Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Thimpu Folk and Heritage Museum, Gangtey Monastery, Chinni Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Zulekha Nunnery, Kyichu Lhakhan, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

darjEEling, sikkim & bhutan

Distinctive and remote, Darjeeling, Bhutan and Sikkim offer some extraordinary experiences. Make your way from the thriving ghats of Kolkata to marvel at the scenery over the Darjeeling tea plantations. Meet devout Buddhist pilgrims in Sikkim’s land of mystic splendour and be intrigued by the vibrant traditional dress, imposing dzongs and Buddhist traditions of the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.

14 Day • trip codE: aHDS • trip stylE: classic


AccommodAtion:� Comfort hotel/guesthouses (12 nights), Overnight train (1 night) trAnsport:� Train, metro, mini van, fl ight, auto-rickshaws Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides meALs incLuded:� 13 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners BudGet:� Allow USD200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9JAN 11 JAN 24FEB 1 FEB 14FEB 22 MAR 7MAR 15 MAR 28APR 5 APR 18

APR 26 MAY 9MAY 17 MAY 30JUN 7 JUN 20JUN 28 JUL 11JUL 19 AUG 1AUG 9 AUG 22

AUG 30 SEP 12SEP 20 OCT 3OCT 11 OCT 24NOV 1 NOV 14NOV 22 DEC 5DEC 13 DEC 26

2 0 1 0JAN 10 JAN 23JAN 31 FEB 13FEB 21 MAR 6MAR 14 MAR 27APR 4 APR 17

APR 25 MAY 8MAY 16 MAY 29JUN 6 JUN 19JUN 27 JUL 10JUL 18 JUL 31AUG 8 AUG 21

AUG 29 SEP 11SEP 19 OCT 2OCT 10 OCT 23OCT 31 NOV 13NOV 21 DEC 4



14 DaYs eX KolKata • Departs seleCt sunDaYs, sun-sat

bhutan highlights7 Day • trip codE: TaDBHN • trip stylE: indEpEndEnt


Exotic and remote, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan offers a unique experience and a true off the beaten path encounter. From the stunning scenery and vegetation to the vibrant traditional dress, prepare to be intrigued by the imposing dzongs and Buddhist traditions of the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.



& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - india, pakistan, nEpal

Flower Vendor, Varanasi

AccommodAtion:� Guesthouses/hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Deluxe air-conditioned tents (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, tempo, river boat Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. recommendAtion:� This trip also runs in reverse. Check out trip code ANKD

itinerArY AHdK - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2-3 Jaipur - Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur. Visit ther Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, ride an elephant to the Amber Fort Palace clinging atop a rocky hill or groove along to the singing and dancing of a Bollywood film at the art deco Raj Mandir cinema. day 4 Agra - Visit the Taj Mahal, either in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Ride on a ubiquitous cycle rickshaw to visit the Red Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. day 5-6 orchha - Travel to picturesque Orchha and spend time enjoying the peaceful rural charm of this riverside town. day 7-8 varanasi - Arrive in Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the rituals of bathing along the ghats. day 9 Bhairawa/Lumbini, india/nepal Border - Continue on to the great Buddhist pilgrimage centre and birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini. day 10-11 chitwan national park - Seize the opportunity to ride an elephant through the national park on safari before you join a guided hike through the Park in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. day 12-13 pokhara - Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake, and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it, create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. day 14 Kathmandu - Travel through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal’s magical capital and largest city, Kathmandu. day 15 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� India Gate and Connaught Place, Entrance to Amber Palace, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Entrance to Taj Mahal, Entrance to Red Fort , Orchha Palace Complex , River Ganges Boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony), Orientation walk along the ghats and old city in Varanasi , Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Guided walk in Chitwan National Park , Sarangkot sunrise excursion, Kathmandu orientation walk, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple)

dElhi to kathmandu advEnturE

Step right into the history books, where maharajas reigned and gods were born. Visit colourful Rajasthan, the holy city of Varanasi and enjoy the natural wonder of Nepal, ‘roof of the world’. This is an incredible journey of unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality.

15 Day • trip codE: aHDK • trip stylE: classic

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

I N D I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

OrchhaVaranasi

Bhairawa KathmanduLumbini

ChitwanNP

Agra

Jaipur

DelhiPokhara



MAY 16 MAY 30AUG 29 SEP 12SEP 5 SEP 19SEP 12 SEP 26SEP 19 OCT 3

SEP 26 OCT 10OCT 3 OCT 17OCT 10 OCT 24OCT 17 OCT 31OCT 24 NOV 7

OCT 31 NOV 14NOV 7 NOV 21NOV 14 NOV 28NOV 21 DEC 5NOV 28 DEC 12

DEC 5 DEC 19DEC 12 DEC 26DEC 19 JAN 2DEC 26 JAN 9JAN 2 JAN 16



15 DaYs DelHi to KatHManDu • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (aug-MaY), sat-sat



Pakistan

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (13 nts). trAnsport:� Taxis, train, auto rickshaws, local bus, aircon bus. Group size:� Min 4, Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHsr - day 1 Arrive dehli - Arrive in Dehli at any time. day 2 Amritsar - Amritsar, literally meaning “holy pool of nectar”, is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Visit its numerous shrines and temples, including the famous Golden Temple. day 3-4 Lahore - Islamabad is home to the opulent Shah Faisal, the largest mosque in Asia. We stop here on the way to Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural and artistic heart. day 5-6 peshawar/Khyber pass - Find exotic spices and local delicacies in the bustling markets of Peshawar. The Old City bazaar is a fascinating place to wander around. Make a day trip up the famous Khyber Pass on Afghanistan’s doorstep. day 7 Besham - Drive past the confluence of the three greatest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalaya, Karakorum, and Hindu Kush. Evidence of the ancient Silk Road route still exists in places as you wind your way along the dry flats and dizzying canyons of the Indus River. day 8 Gilgit - Scenic drive along Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. day 9-10 Karimabad/ passu - Clinging to the hills above the confluence of the Hunza and Nagar Rivers sits the village of Karimabad, home to the impressive Baltit fort. Walk around this beautiful village, chat with the locals, sip tea and shop for unique handicrafts or gemstones. day 11 tashkurgan - Follow the spectacular Karakoram Highway as it cuts through the mountains. Cross into China at the Khunjarab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world. For many centuries, this route has been used by the caravans journeying along the Silk Road. Enjoy the views as you pass nomadic Kazakh camps and encounter Tajiks tending their camels and yaks along the way. day 12-13 Kashgar - Join the locals for fresh dumplings and tea, watch the horse traders race their prospective animals and see the shepherds buying and selling their flocks at Kashgar’s Sunday market. day 14 depart Kashgar

spicE roads - dElhi to kashgar

From bustling marketplaces in Delhi to the world’s highest border crossing, take an incredible journey from India into Pakistan and finish in the largest Sunday market in the world. Pass nomadic Kazakh camps and come across Tajiks tending their camels and yaks on the road to Kashgar.

14 Day • trip codE: aHSR • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Golden Temple Amritsar, Lahore City Tour plus entrances, Khyber Pass day tour, entrance to Baltit Fort, entrance to Khunjerab Pass Park, Kashgar Sunday Market

M A L AY S I A

I N D O N E S I A

PAPUANEW GUINEA

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

R U S S I A

I R A N

T U R K E Y

IRAQ

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

SYRIA

JORDAN

ISRAEL

LEBANON

KUWAIT

S A U D I

A R A B I A

O M A NY E M E N

QATAR

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

UKRAINE

BELARUS

MOLDOVA

RUSSIA

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

ESTONIA

C H I N A

PA K I S T A N

I N D I A

Lahore Amritsar

Delhi

Peshawar

Gilgit

Kashgar

TashkurganKarimabad

Besham

Karimabad

Besham

Gilgit

2 0 0 9APR 28 MAY 11MAY 12 MAY 25JUN 2 JUN 15JUN 16 JUN 29

JUN 30 JUL 13JUL 14 JUL 27JUL 28 AUG 10AUG 25 SEP 7SEP 8 SEP 21

SEP 22 OCT 5OCT 6 OCT 19OCT 20 NOV 22 0 1 0APR 6 APR 19

APR 20 MAY 3MAY 4 MAY 17MAY 18 MAY 31JUN 1 JUN 14JUN 15 JUN 28

JUN 29 JUL 12JUL 13 JUL 26JUL 27 AUG 9AUG 10 AUG 23AUG 24 SEP 6




14 DaYs DeHli to KasHgar • Departs seleCt tuesDaYs (apr-oCt), tue-Mon



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 97india, nEpal - asia

Monkey Temple, KathmanduAccommodAtion:� Guesthouses/hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Deluxe air-conditioned tents (1 nt). trAnsport:� Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, tempo, river boat Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AnKd - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at anytime. day 2 - 3 pokhara - Today travel through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to the picturesque city of Pokhara. Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnifi cence of the fi sh-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. day 4-5 chitwan national park - Travel through the mountains to the plains. The park is wildlife viewing at its best. Seize the opportunity to ride an elephant through the national park on safari before you join a guided hike through the Park in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. There will also be time for canoeing, bird watching or to visit an elephant breeding centre. day 6 Lumbini - Leave Chitwan to travel to Lumbini the great Buddhist pilgrimage centre and birthplace of the Buddha. day 7-9 india/nepal Border & varanasi - In the morning we will pass through immigration and customs and continue on to the legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing along the ghats. day 10 orchha - Travel to picturesque Orchha and spend time enjoying the peaceful rural charm of this riverside town. Explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river or hire a bicycle and ride out into the surrounding countryside. day 11 Agra - Visit the Taj Mahal, this icon of Mughal architecture either in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. We will ride on one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Red Fort. day 12-13 Jaipur - Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur. Visit India’s second most viewed site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, ride an elephant to the Amber Fort Palace clinging atop a rocky hill or groove along to the singing and dancing of a Bollywood fi lm at the art deco Raj Mandir cinema. day 14 delhi - New Delhi, the capital of India is one of the most historic capitals in the world, it offers a multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that it becomes diffi cult to decide from where to begin exploring the city. day 15 depart delhi

kathmandu to dElhi advEnturE

This is an incredible journey of unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality. Explore the natural wonder of Nepal, ‘roof of the world’. Visit the holy city of Varanasi, where Indian life in all its colour is to be seen along the banks of the Ganges. Take in colourful Rajasthan whilst you walk in the land of Mughals and Maharajas.

15 Day • trip codE: aNKD • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� India Gate and Connaught Place, entrance to Amber Palace and elephant ride, City Palace, entrance to Hawa Mahal, entrance to Taj Mahal, entrance to Red Fort, Orchha Palace Complex , River Ganges Boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle fl ower ceremony), Orientation walk along the ghats and Old city in Varanasi , Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Guided walk in Chitwan National Park , Sarangkot sunrise excursion, Kathmandu orientation walk

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

I N D I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

OrchhaVaranasi

Bhairawa

KathmanduLumbini

ChitwanNP

Agra

Jaipur

DelhiPokhara

2 0 0 9JAN 25 FEB 1FEB 8 FEB 15FEB 22 MAR 1MAR 8 MAR 15MAR 22 MAR 29APR 5 APR 12APR 19 APR 26MAY 3 MAY 10MAY 17 MAY 31

MAY 31 JUN 14SEP 13 SEP 27SEP 20 OCT 4SEP 27 OCT 11OCT 4 OCT 18OCT 11 OCT 25OCT 18 NOV 1OCT 25 NOV 8NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 8 NOV 22

NOV 15 NOV 29NOV 22 DEC 6NOV 29 DEC 13DEC 6 DEC 20DEC 13 DEC 27DEC 20 JAN 3DEC 27 JAN 102 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 17JAN 10 JAN 24

JAN 17 JAN 31JAN 24 FEB 7JAN 31 FEB 14FEB 7 FEB 21FEB 14 FEB 28FEB 21 MAR 7FEB 28 MAR 14MAR 7 MAR 21MAR 14 MAR 28MAR 21 APR 4

MAR 28 APR 11APR 4 APR 18APR 11 APR 25APR 18 MAY 2APR 25 MAY 9MAY 2 MAY 16MAY 9 MAY 23MAY 16 MAY 30MAY 23 JUN 6MAY 30 JUN 13



15 DaYs KatHManDu to DelHi • Departs seleCt sunDaYs (sep-MaY), sun-sun


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/Guest houses (13 nts), Basic tea house (3 nts) trAnsport:� Charter bus, taxis, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, walking, fl ight Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, local guides. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD125 for meals not included. For addittional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AHHn - day 1 Arrive delhi - Arrive in Delhi at any time. day 2 delhi - Visit Delhi’s Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and wander through the Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. day 3-4 Jaipur - Clothed in pink stucco, Jaipur is home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, watch the spectacle of a Bollywood fi lm or ride an elephant to the entrance of Amber Fort Palace. day 5 Abhaneri - Abhaneri is an ancient village set in the desert of Rajasthan, known for its beautiful baoris (step wells) and the famous Harshat Mata Temple. day 6-7 Agra-delhi - Travel to Agra, home to India’s most famous landmark the Taj Mahal. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. day 8 Kathmandu - Colourful and chaotic, teeming with life and fi lled with temples, craft centres, cafes and historic buildings, Kathmandu offers endless possibilities. day 9 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur - The medieval city of Bhaktapur is known as the third city in the Kathmandu Valley, after Kathmandu itself. The town is fi lled with Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces and ancient monuments, some dating back to the 16th century. day 10 pokhara - A beautiful and relaxing lakeside resort town, Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. day 11-13 Annapurna foothills trek - Amid the rugged mountain scenery, meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures. Marvel at waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, broad plains and high mountain passes and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. day 14 pokara & chitwan - Your trekking adventure ends at Pokhara before continuing on to Royal Chitwan National Park. day 15 chitwan national park - This is wildlife viewing at its best. Seize the opportunity to ride an elephant through the National Park on safari before you join a guided hike through the Park in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. day 16 Kathmandu - Return to the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can cycle to the ghats along the Bagmati River, stroll around the city’s ancient streets or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop garden restaurant, complete with traditional musicians. day 17 depart delhi - Trip fi nishes on arrival at Delhi Airport after our morning fl ight from Kathmandu.

included Highlights:� Walk through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Jaipur City Palace entrance and guide, Entrance and guide of Amber Fort Palace, Entrance and guided tour Fatephur Sikri Monument, entrance to the Red Fort of Agra, entrance to the Taj Mahal, Entrance to l’timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj), Guided walk in Abhaneri village, Kathmandu walking tour, Bhaktapur, Annapurna trek, Chitwan National Park

bEst of india and nEpal

This classic journey takes you to some of the most exciting and alluring sites and cities of the region. Discover fascinating Rajasthan then travel north to Nepal, a country blessed with gurgling rivers, luxuriant forests and pristine wildlife.

17 Day • trip codE: aHHN • trip stylE: classic

SRI LANKA


N E P A L

B U R M A

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N



TA J I K I S TA N

M O N G O L I A

I N D I A

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L


B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

G u l f o f

To n g k i n

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachch

G u l f of K

hambha t

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gu

l f o

f

M

ar t

ab

an

KathmanduChitwan NP

AgraJaipur Abhaneri

Delhi

Pokhara

Annapurna

2 0 0 9MAR 1 MAR 17MAR 15 MAR 31MAR 29 APR 14

APR 12 APR 28APR 26 MAY 12MAY 10 MAY 26MAY 24 JUN 9

JUN 7 JUN 23AUG 2 AUG 18AUG 16 SEP 1AUG 30 SEP 15


NOV 8 NOV 24NOV 22 DEC 8DEC 6 DEC 22DEC 20 JAN 5

2 0 1 0JAN 3 JAN 19JAN 17 FEB 2JAN 31 FEB 16



17 DaYs eX DelHi • Departs sun tWiCe MontHlY (aug-jun), sun-tue




* This trip also runs in reverse!See trip code AHDK • Visit our website for details


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - nEpal

Everest Trek, Nepal

AccommodAtion:� Hotels (6 nts), Teahouse lodges (3 nts). trAnsport:� Flight, bus, walking. Group size:� Min 4, Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AnnA - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. day 2 Kathmandu and Bhaktapur - The medieval city of Bhaktapur is known as the third city in the Kathmandu Valley, after Kathmandu itself. The town is filled with Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces and ancient monuments, some dating back to the 16th century. day 3 pokhara - A beautiful, relaxing lakeside resort town, Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. day 4-6 Annapurna foothills trek - Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. Amid the rugged mountain scenery, meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures. Marvel at waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, broad plains and high mountain passes and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. day 7 pokhara & chitwan - Your trekking adventure ends at Pokhara before continuing to Royal Chitwan National Park. day 8 chitwan national park - This is wildlife viewing at its best. Seize the opportunity to ride an elephant through the national park on safari before you join a guided hike through the park in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. There will also be time for canoeing, bird watching or visiting an elephant breeding centre. day 9 Kathmandu - Return to the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can cycle to the ghats along the Bagmati River, stroll around the city’s ancient streets or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop garden restaurant, complete with traditional musicians. day 10 depart Kathmandu

nEpal advEnturE

Nepal is filled to the brim with medieval temples and monuments, incredible wildlife such as tigers and rhinos, and hospitable locals. You are bound to be captivated by this magical country.

10 Day • trip codE: aNNa • trip stylE: classic

included Highlights:� Kathmandu walking tour, historical city tour - Patan and Bhaktapur, Pokhara views, Annapurna trek, Chitwan National Park


B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N

T A J I K I S T A N

Pokhara

Chitwan N.P.

Kathmandu

Annapurna

2 0 0 9MAR 8 MAR 17MAR 22 MAR 31APR 5 APR 14APR 19 APR 28

MAY 3 MAY 12MAY 17 MAY 26MAY 31 JUN 9JUN 14 JUN 23AUG 9 AUG 18

AUG 23 SEP 1SEP 6 SEP 15SEP 20 SEP 29OCT 4 OCT 13OCT 18 OCT 27

NOV 1 NOV 10NOV 15 NOV 24NOV 29 DEC 8DEC 13 DEC 22DEC 27 JAN 5


MAR 7 MAR 16MAR 21 MAR 30APR 4 APR 13APR 18 APR 27MAY 2 MAY 11



10 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (aug-jun), sun-tue


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (6 nts), Teahouse lodges (13 nts). trAnsport:� Flight, bus, walking. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, trekking support staff. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AnAe - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time day 2 Kathmandu - Explore the historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley which reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. Step through the looking glass into a world of markets, bazaars and narrow streets home to hindu holy men, sacred cows, cyclists and street sellers. day 3-8 Annapurna trek - Trek from the sub-tropical lowlands through terraced paddies, fields of wheat and Hindu and Buddhist villages. Pass through a blossoming and beautifully red rhododendron forest before emerging onto high open ridges that afford breathtaking views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. day 9 pokhara - Relax and enjoy a hot shower in the peaceful resort town of Pokhara. The more ambitious can hike to the World Peace Stupa or take a canoe onto the lake. day 10 Kathmandu - Return to the busy streets and historic sights of Kathmandu where the restaurants and shopping could keep you busy for days. day 11-18 everest trek - Experience the rugged terrain of the Khumbu region, surrounded by the towering snow-covered Himalayan peaks. From Namche, follow the prayer flags, mani walls and Buddhist chorten to Tengboche Monastery, sitting in the shadow of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. day 19 Kathmandu - Reflect on your incredible journey to the top of the world at one of the many cafes, bakeries and restaurants in Kathmandu. day 20 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� English speaking local guide and full support team of sherpas and assistants for the Annapurna and Everest trek.

annapurna and EvErEst

Combine two of the world’s greatest treks, both offering incredible scenery and highlighting the unique physical and cultural diversity of this incredible country. Encounter friendly locals and stop to absorb the beauty of all that surrounds you in this once in a lifetime journey.

20 Day • trip codE: aNaE • trip stylE: activE


B H U T A N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S T A N

T A J I K I S T A N

Pokhara Naya Pul

Gandruk

Lukla

Tyangboche

Namche Bazaar

Kathmandu

2 0 0 9JAN 3 JAN 22JAN 17 FEB 5JAN 31 FEB 19FEB 14 MAR 5

FEB 28 MAR 19MAR 14 APR 2MAR 28 APR 16APR 4 APR 23APR 11 APR 30

APR 25 MAY 14MAY 2 MAY 21MAY 16 JUN 4MAY 23 JUN 11JUN 6 JUN 25

JUN 13 JUL 2AUG 29 SEP 17SEP 5 SEP 24SEP 12 OCT 1SEP 19 OCT 8

OCT 3 OCT 22OCT 10 OCT 29OCT 17 NOV 5OCT 31 NOV 19NOV 7 NOV 26

NOV 14 DEC 3NOV 21 DEC 10DEC 5 DEC 24DEC 12 DEC 31DEC 19 JAN 7



20 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (aug-jun), sat-tHu



For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 99nEpal - asia

Mountain Village, Nepal

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

AccommodAtion:� Simple hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), Teahouses (10 nts) trAnsport:� Bus, minibus, walking, flight Group size:� Max 15 Group LeAder:� Tour leader throughout. meALs incLuded:� No meals included BudGet:� Allow USD160 for meals not included. See Trip Notes for spending money. notes:� This tour ends on day 15 around midday. You may want to arrange additional accommodations.

itinerArY AnAs - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. day 2 Kathmandu - Just wait until you feel the vibe of colourful Kathmandu. Meet the monkeys while climbing to Swayambhunath, walk around the mammoth Bodhnath Stupa and delve into the magical history of Durbar Square in the old city. Don’t forget to check out Thamel’s great shopping! day 3 pokhara - Time to chill out in Pokhara and hire any gear that may be needed for the next step of our adventure. Gaze across the picturesque lake and contemplate the snow-capped peaks of our upcoming challenge, the Annapurna Ranges. day 4-13 Annapurna ranges - On the Annapurna Sanctuary trek we’ll traverse a wide variety of terrain from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to dramatic glaciers and stunning mountain pathways. While the trekking is challenging, averaging six to seven hours a day on steep terrain, our expedition into the mountains allows you to experience the ‘Roof of the World’. Along the way see thundering waterfalls, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs. Overnight we stay in small, rustic teahouses allowing us to meet Nepali hill people. days 14 pokhara - Return to Pokhara for a well-earned shower and an end of trek celebration. Relax, recover and reminisce! day 15 depart Kathmandu

annapurna sanctuary

An adventurous trek through the mighty Annapurna range. From ancient kingdoms to majestic white mountain vistas, trek for 10 days through every breathtaking landscape possible. Pass awe-inspiring glaciers and stay on the banks of icy Himalayan rivers, cross mountain pastures and vibrant rhododendron forests, dip into natural hot springs and encounter mule trains taking supplies to remote villages. Rest and revive in overnight teahouses, meeting friendly locals along the way.

15 Day • trip codE: aNaS • trip stylE: activE

included Highlights:� Local guide and entrance fees for sightseeing in Kathmandu, English speaking guide and full support team of sherpas and assistants for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.


B H U TA N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N

TA J I K I S TA N

Pokhara

Annapurna

Kathmandu



MAY 17 MAY 31MAY 31 JUN 14JUN 14 JUN 28AUG 30 SEP 13SEP 6 SEP 20

SEP 20 OCT 4OCT 4 OCT 18OCT 18 NOV 1NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 15 NOV 29





15 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs sunDaYs tWiCe MontHlY (aug-jun), sun-sun


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (2 nts), Teahouse lodges (12 nts). trAnsport:� Flight, bus, walking. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, trekking support staff. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD225 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

itinerArY AneA - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. day 2-4 pakding/ namche Bazaar - Heading through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Pakding, encounter your first yak caravans carrying trekking equipment and supplies – including yours – towards base camp. Spend a day acclimatizing in Thame. Intricately carved mani stones mark the path to this large valley. day 5 tengboche - Leaving Namche, the route is unbelievably beautiful. Hike through Sherpa villages and forests of fir and rhododendron to reach Tengboche Monastary, home to Tengboche Rinpoche, a Lama incarnate. day 6-7 dingboche - Walk through alpine meadows of scrub juniper and wild flowers. From Dingboche, the mountain views are outstanding. Hike up the Imja Khola. The fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass are one of the highlights of the trek. day 8-10 Lobuche/ everest Base camp - Climbing above the tree line, cross alpine pastures and glacial moraine to reach Everest Base Camp where colourful expedition tents give a bizarre appearance to this desolate place surrounded by walls of rock, snow and ice. day 11-13 tengpoche/ mongo/ Lukla - Descend the Imja Khola past Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint Lama Sanga Dorje. day 14 Kathmandu - You made it! Take a well-deserved rest and enjoy one last day with your fellow trekkers in this bustling city. day 15 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� English speaking local guide and assistants for the Everest Base Camp trek, Porters included on the trek, Trekking to Everest Base Camp

EvErEst advEnturE

Everest Base Camp conjurs up visions of sheer awe and beauty, and this epic journey will not disappoint! Trek through beautiful rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines and the Himalayan foothills on the way to the base of the highest mountain in the world.

15 Day • trip codE: aNEa • trip stylE: activE

Pokhara

Bhaktapur

Siklis Trek Bandipur

Nagarkot Chisapani

Kathmandu

T A J I K I S T A N

EverestBaseCamp

Lukla

Kathmandu Mt Everest



MAY 10 MAY 24MAY 24 JUN 7JUN 7 JUN 21AUG 23 SEP 6SEP 6 SEP 20

SEP 13 SEP 27SEP 20 OCT 4SEP 27 OCT 11OCT 4 OCT 18OCT 11 OCT 25

OCT 18 NOV 1OCT 25 NOV 8NOV 1 NOV 15NOV 8 NOV 22NOV 15 NOV 29

NOV 22 DEC 6NOV 29 DEC 13DEC 6 DEC 20DEC 13 DEC 27DEC 20 JAN 3



15 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs seleCt sunDaYs (aug-jun), sun-sun


For information on trip styles,service level & physical demands ratings please see page 7.asia - nEpal100

Annapurna Circuit Trek

itinerArY AntA - day 1 Arrive Kathmandu - Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. day 2 Besi sahar - Khudi - After passing through Besi Sahar, a busy trading-post, we start the first day’s trek. day 3-18 Annapurna circuit - For almost three weeks, immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. At 8091m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. Amid the rugged mountain scenery, meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures. Enjoy the opportunity to visit monasteries and temples. Along the way, marvel at waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, broad plains and high mountain passes and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. day 19 pokhara - A beautiful, relaxing lakeside resort town, Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. day 20 Kathmandu - Return to the busy streets of the Nepali capital. Step through the looking glass into a world of markets, bazaars and narrow streets home to hindu holy men, sacred cows, cyclists and street sellers. day 21 depart Kathmandu

included Highlights:� English speaking local guide and full support team of sherpas and assistants for the Annapurna Circuit trek, Besi Sahar, Muktinath, Jomson, Pokhara

trEkking annapurna

Traverse through forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, and small mountain villages, while encountering temples, monasteries and taking in breathtaking landscapes. Encounter friendly people of different cultures who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life.

21 Day • trip codE: aNTa • trip stylE: activE


AccommodAtion:� Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), Teahouse lodges (16 nts). trAnsport:�Flight, bus, walking. Group size:� Max 15, Avg 10 Group LeAder:� Tour Leader throughout, trekking support staff. meALs incLuded:� No meals included. BudGet:� Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

2 0 0 9MAR 7 MAR 27MAR 21 APR 10APR 4 APR 24APR 18 MAY 8MAY 2 MAY 22

MAY 16 JUN 5MAY 30 JUN 19JUN 13 JUL 3SEP 5 SEP 25SEP 19 OCT 9OCT 3 OCT 23

OCT 17 NOV 6OCT 31 NOV 20NOV 14 DEC 4NOV 28 DEC 18DEC 5 DEC 252 0 1 0

MAR 6 MAR 26MAR 13 APR 2MAR 20 APR 9APR 3 APR 23APR 10 APR 30APR 17 MAY 7

MAY 1 MAY 21MAY 8 MAY 28MAY 22 JUN 11MAY 29 JUN 18JUN 5 JUN 25AUG 28 SEP 17

SEP 4 SEP 24SEP 18 OCT 8OCT 2 OCT 22OCT 9 OCT 29OCT 16 NOV 5OCT 30 NOV 19



21 DaYs eX KatHManDu • Departs seleCt saturDaYs (sep-jun), sat-Fri


B H U TA N

BANGLADESH

P A K I S T A N

K Y R G Y Z S TA N

TA J I K I S TA N

Pokhara

Annapurna

BandipurBandipur

Kathmandu

The Himalayas, Nepal

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 101Terms & condiTions

G.A.P ADVENTURES INC. BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

THESE ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH WILL APPLY TO YOUR BOOKING. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY AS YOU WILL BE BOUND BY THEM.

These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between you and G.A.P Adventures Inc. doing business as G.A.P Adventures. By booking a trip, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions that outline, among other things, the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. These Terms and Conditions affect your rights and designate the governing law and forum for the resolution of any and all disputes.

1. THE CONTRACT:

All persons wishing to make a booking have carefully read and understand the Terms and Conditions that follow. By making a booking by telephone, or on the website www.gapadventures.com, or by email or facsimile with the Company or its Agents, you accept on behalf of yourself and all those named on the booking including minors and person under a disability to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the Company sends a confirmation invoice or email. It is at this point that a contract between the Company and the Client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into force, the Company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The Company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion. The person or persons named on the booking are hereafter referred to as the “Client”. All bookings are made with G.A.P Adventures Inc., “the Company”, which sells the tours described in this brochure and on the Company website or through its “Agents” who sell the Company’s tours through an agreement with the Company. A G.A.P Adventures Independent Trip is defined as booking anything included in the Independent and Tailor Made brochure. These Terms and Conditions shall constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Client relating to the subject matter herein, and shall constitute a binding agreement. There is no verbal or written; representation, warranty, collateral agreement, prior agreement, description of services, or conditions, other than as expressed herein. The service to be provided is/are the tour(s) referred to in the booking confirmation.

Conditions of Carriage: All persons wishing to make a booking including any carriage by sea have carefully read and understand these Terms and Conditions, and the Expedition Ticket/Conditions of Carriage. Carriage by road, air or by sea is subject to the Company’s conditions of carriage that are available on request and are expressly incorporated into this contract. The Company’s liability for death and or personal injury and/or loss of and/or damage to luggage may be limited by international conventions including the Athens, Warsaw or Montreal Conventions.

2. MEDICAL FORM:

All Clients are obligated to review and acknowledge the Medical Information form, as it relates to their trip. Clients are asked to review the form, and be familiar with it. Any questions in relation to the Clients physical or mental suitability for a trip must be reviewed by their medical practitioner for approval. The Company cannot offer advise of a medical nature. Those Clients with pre-existing medical conditions as defined on the Medical Form, must return a signed form to the Company with final payment as specified in Section 7. The Client must complete the medical form honestly, accurately and disclose all medical history and information. The Company will review the information submitted, and keep the information in accordance with the published Privacy Policy. The Company reserve the right to challenge any information submitted, ask for further information or clarity on certain points. In the event there is a dispute between the Company and the Client in regard to the Clients’ physical or mental suitability for a trip, the matter will be referred to a medical professional at the Clients expense. The Company reserves the right to deny any Client on reasonable medical grounds. In the event the Client has made a booking with the Company and subsequently is unable to complete the required medical form for any reason by the final payment dates specified in Section 7, the Company reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled, and applicable cancellation penalties apply.

Antarctic Trips: All Clients must return a signed Medical Form to the Company with final payment as specified in Section 7. The Client must complete the medical form honestly, accurately and disclose all medical history and information. The Company will review the information submitted, and keep the information in accordance with the published Privacy Policy. The Company reserve the right to challenge any information submitted, ask for further information or clarity on certain points. The Client acknowledges and understands the destination visited is remote, isolated, and far removed from medical care facilities. Further, the client understands the honest completion of this form will assist all concerned in an emergency situation. In the event there is a dispute between the Company and the Client in regard to the Clients’ physical or mental suitability for a trip, the matter will be referred to a medical professional for at the Clients expense. The Company reserves the right to deny any Client on reasonable medical grounds. In the event the Client has made a booking with the Company and subsequently is unable to complete the required medical form for any reason by the final payment dates specified in Section 7, the Company reserves the right to treat the booking as been cancelled, and applicable cancellation penalties apply.

3. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Company must be notified in writing at the time of booking of any medical conditions, pregnancy, physically challenged conditions or any other mental and or physical condition which may affect fitness to travel and or any medical condition. Failure to notify the Company may result in the client being refused travel. Failure to notify the Company of any such condition that results in cancellation will result in 100% cancellation fees to the Client. Some trips may be unsuitable for Clients due to age, mobility, pregnancy or physical or mental conditions. It is the Client’s responsibility to check prior to booking. The Company may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks or Clients with certain conditions. The Company is not required to provide any special facilities unless it has agreed to do so in writing. The Company will do its best to meet Clients special requests including dietary, but such requests do not form part of the Contract and therefore the Company is not liable for not providing these requests. Medical facilities vary from country to country and the Company makes no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the standard of such treatment.

4. CURRENCY:

The Company sells in six global currencies: Great British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), United States Dollar (USD), Canadian Dollar

(CAD), Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD). The currency applied to the Clients booking will be determined by the booking location of the Client, and the matching currency. The Company reserves the right, however, to apply the currency of their choosing to the booking.

5. QUOTE FEE:

Quotes provided for the G.A.P Adventures Independent and Tailor Made product line are subject to a non-refundable quote fee of GBP£15, EUR€25, USD$25, CAD$25, AUD$25, or NZD$25. Should the booking be confirmed, this amount will be deducted off the final payment amount. Some quotes may be exempt from the quote fee, and if this is the case, will be outlined at time of quote.

6. DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT:

(a) G.A.P Adventures Trips and G.A.P Adventures Independent Trips: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of GBP£100, EUR€250, USD$250, CAD$250, AUD$250, or NZD$250 per person per tour is due. If booking 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due. The non-refundable deposit and medical form, if applicable, should be sent to the Company or its Agent. G.A.P Adventures Tailor Made trips may require a higher deposit or full payment at the time of booking. If deposit is different from that outlined in this clause, the requirement will be advised at time of booking and detailed on the invoice. If a mixture of G.A.P Adventures, and G.A.P Adventures Independent and Tailor Made trips are booked, the most restrictive requirements will apply to the whole booking.

(b) Expedition Trips: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of GBP£400, EUR€500, USD$750, CAD$750, AUD$750, or NZD$750 per person per tour is due. If booking 90 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due. The non-refundable deposit and medical form should be sent to the Company or its Agent.

7.FINAL PAYMENT/ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING/CLIENT DETAILS:

G.A.P Adventure Trips and G.A.P Adventure Tailor Made Trips:

(a) Final Payment: Acceptance of the Client’s booking must be confirmed in writing by the Company. Please refer to the confirmation invoice and/or confirmation email for details regarding final payment. Payment of the balance of the tour price is due 60 days before the departure date of the first service booked. If full payment is not received by the due date, then rates and tour space cannot be guaranteed. If a booking is made 60 days or less before the departure date of the first service booked then the full amount is payable at the time the booking is confirmed. If this balance is not paid at the time the booking is confirmed the Company reserves the right to treat the Client’s booking as cancelled. G.A.P Adventures Tailor Made Trips may require a higher deposit or full payment at the time of booking. If full payment is different to that outlined in this clause, the requirement will be advised at time of booking and detailed on the invoice. If a mixture of G.A.P Adventures, and G.A.P Adventures Independent and Tailor Made trips are booked, the most restrictive requirements will apply to the whole booking.

(b) Local Payment: Most of the tours involve a local payment. This amount is the final payment for the tour. Local payment, in the specified currency in cash, is to be submitted to the leader upon arrival. Information on the local payment is outlined with the price in brochures, website, trip dossiers and on invoices. The local payment is non-refundable and is considered part of the total tour payment.

(c) Client Details: In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified in Section 7(a). If the Client does not provide all details 60 days or more before departure, a fee of GBP£25, EUR€50, USD$50, CAD$50, AUD$50, or NZD$50 will be charged to the Client. In the event where client details have not been received by the Company 30 days prior to the Client’s trip departure, the Company reserves the right to treat the file as cancelled and full penalties will apply. Client details required will vary tour by tour, and will be advised during the booking process.

(d) Traveling with Children: The minimum age for Clients traveling on tours is 12 (for Family designated tours, the minimum age is 5). An adult over the age of 21 must accompany every 2 children under the age of 18. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (17 and under). All enquiries with respect to children are subject to review and approval by the Company and reserves the right to restrict the number of travelers under the age of 18 on tours. If the adult accompanying the child is not the child’s parent, then a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and received by the Company prior to departure.

(e) Inca Trail Requirements: Client details including full name as it appears in the passport that the Client will be traveling with, passport number, passport expiry date, date of birth and nationality are required to confirm a booking. Any amendments to these details may result in failure to secure an Inca Trail permit. The Company will not be held responsible for any fees levied as a result.

Expedition Trips

(f) Final Payment: Acceptance of the Client’s booking must be confirmed in writing by the Company. Please refer to the confirmation invoice for details regarding final payment. Payment of the balance of the tour price is due 90 days before the departure date of the first service booked. If a booking is made 90 days or less before the departure date of the first service booked then the full amount is payable at the time the booking is confirmed. If this balance is not paid at the time the booking is confirmed the Company reserves the right to treat the Client’s booking as cancelled.

(g) Local Payment: Most of the tours involve a local payment. This amount is the final payment for the tour. Local payment, in the specified currency in cash, is to be made to the leader upon arrival. Information on the local payment is outlined with the price in brochures, website, trip dossiers and on invoices. The local payment is non-refundable and is considered part of the total tour payment.

(h) Client Details: In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all client details with their final payment as per the dates specified in Section 7(f). If the Client does not provide all client details within 90 days before departure, a fee of GBP£25, EUR€50, USD$50, CAD$50, AUD$50, or NZD$50 will be charged to the file. In the event where client details have not been received by the Company 30 days prior to the Client’s trip departure, the Company reserves the right to treat the file as cancelled and full penalties will apply. Client details include passport number, passport expiry date, passport issue date

and place of issuance, completed medical form, full name as it appears in the passport you are traveling with, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and arrival details.

(i)Traveling with Children

G.A.P Adventures is unable to accommodate children under-12 years of age and reserves the right to restrict the number of those under 18 years of age aboard the vessel. An adult over the age of 21 must accompany every two children under the age of 18. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (17 and under). If the adult accompanying this child is not the child’s parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and received by the Company prior to sailing.

8. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT:

Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The date on which the request to cancel is received by the Company or its Agents will determine the cancellation charge applicable.

(a) Cancellation for G.A.P Adventure Trips and G.A.P Adventures Independent Trips: The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price, excluding insurance.

A. Cancellation 60 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit.

B. Cancellation 59-30 days before departure: 50% of cost of services booked.

C. Cancellation less than 30 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked.

G.A.P Adventures Tailor Made trips may vary in cancellation policy from that detailed in this clause, and will be detailed at time of booking.

(b) Cancellation for Expedition Trips: The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price, excluding insurance.

A. Cancellation 90 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit.

B. Cancellation 89-60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked.

C. Cancellation less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked.

In addition to the cancellation fees detailed in Section 8(a) and (b), the full insurance premium for any insurance arranged through the Company is non-refundable. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.

9. CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY THE COMPANY:

The Company reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason, but will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure except for force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside the Company’s control (excluding Expedition Trips – refer to Expedition Ticket/Contract). When a tour is cancelled by the Company, the Client may choose between a full refund of all monies paid or at the Company’s option any alternative tour offered by the Company at no extra cost. The Company is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked, then the Client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Where a significant element of the trip cannot be provided, the Company will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the trip. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or the Client reasonably rejects any suitable alternatives, the Company will provide the Client a refund of unused tour portions.

Where a significant alteration or cancellation occurs which is not due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control, the Company will in some circumstances offer compensation. Significant alterations do not include a change of airline carrier, flight time tables or itineraries provided the departure and arrival dates remain unchanged, the substitution of a vessel, modification of itineraries, change in cabin category or hotel accommodation provided it is of the same category.

10. UNUSED SERVICES:

There will be no discounts or monies refunded for missed or unused services, this includes voluntary or involuntary termination/departure from tour, i.e. sickness, death of a family member etc, late arrival on the tour, or premature departure either voluntarily or involuntarily.

11. PRICES AND SURCHARGES:

No price increases will be made to a booking 30 days or less before departure. The Company reserve the right to impose surcharges (price increases) up to 30 days before departure due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in air fares or other transportation/fuel costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. The Company will absorb 2% of any such surcharge. If the surcharge/price increase is for more than 2% then the whole increase will be charged. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the tour cost, excluding insurance premiums, the Client may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund of all monies paid (excluding Trip Cancellation Insurance Premiums and/or flights). Cancellation requests must be received in writing.

12. BROCHURE AND WEBSITE VALIDITY:

The prices in this brochure and website are based on rates and costs in effect at time of printing the brochure or posting on the website. The Company reserves the right to alter prices. For trips departing between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2009 – the land price of the trip is guaranteed when paid in full, subject to any potential surcharges as stipulated in Section 11. Beyond December 31st, 2009 dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only.

13. FLEXIBILITY:

The Client appreciates and acknowledges the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and should allow for reasonable alterations by the Company. The itinerary provided for each tour is merely representative of the types of activities contemplated, and the Company is under no contractual obligation to strictly follow it. It is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to

alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include sickness or mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances or any other reason whatsoever.

14. CHANGES:

(a) Changes made by the Company: While the Company will endeavor to operate all tours as advertised, reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed necessary or advisable by the Company. If the Company makes a major change the Company will inform the Client as soon as reasonably possible if there is sufficient time before departure. When a major change is made the Client may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a full refund of all monies paid (excluding Trip Cancellation Insurance Premiums and/or flights) or accepting any alternative tour offered by the Company. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one in three full tour days of the itinerary. If the major change is due to force majeure or unforeseen circumstances no compensation is payable. Some changes to the itinerary may happen on tour as a result of unforeseen circumstances or local situations. Any changes made to alter the itinerary as a result will be made with full authority of the Tour Leader and any direct or indirect cost incurred as a result will be the responsibility of the Client.

(b) Transfer to another departure (by Client): A transfer from one tour to another can only be made more than 60 days, (90 days for Expedition Trips) before departure date and if approved by the Company. If such a request is accepted by the Company, the Company reserves the right to charge up to the deposit amount of the first booked tour. Any request to transfer received less than 60 days, (120 days for Expedition Trips) before departure will not normally be accepted. In this case the Client must cancel the booking and then re-book on another tour. The Client may only transfer a booking to a departure date in the current season and may not transfer a booking to future seasons. Any such transfers will be regarded as cancellations and cancellation fees will apply.

(c) Transfer of name: If the Client is prevented from traveling on the tour booked by circumstances such as those which would permit a claim on a standard cancellation insurance policy, the booking may be transferred to another person, provided they meet all the requirements relating to that tour and have read, understood and agree to the terms and conditions of this contract and the Expedition Ticket/Contract (if applicable). More than 60 days, (90 days for Expedition Trips) before departure, up to the deposit amount of the tour will apply. Within 60 days, (90 days for Expedition Trips) name transfers are not permitted.

(d) Amendments: Within 60 days of departure (90 days for Expedition Trips) any amendments to a file will depend on availability and will be on a request basis. Any extra costs incurred for making the change will be charged along with an amendment fee of GBP£25, EUR€50, USD$50, CAD$50, AUD$50, or NZD$50. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.

15. AIRFARE:

Any tour does not include international air fare or any other flights unless mentioned in the inclusions. The Client may choose to use the services of the Company to purchase international airfares or other additional flights.

(a) Quotes: All quotes are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated. The company will quote the best price available at the time of booking for the travel dates requested.

(b) Price changes: The company reserves the right to change prices in the event of any price increase beyond the control of the company including, but not limited to, airfares wrongfully quoted due to system error, the price of fuel and/or currency fluctuations or government taxes or levies, or any other reasonable cause. Fares are not guaranteed until the tickets are issued.

(c) Full payment: Full payment must be received by the company before the option period expires to guarantee the reservation at quoted price. A guarantee of payment by the Client is an acceptance of the travel arrangements as requested at the total price quoted. Cancellation charges will apply if the Client subsequently decides to cancel after ticket has been issued.

(d) Changes & cancellations: Unless otherwise stated airline tickets are 100% non-changeable & non-refundable once tickets have been issued.

(e) Flight reconfirmation: The company strongly recommends flight times and numbers be verified or reconfirmed at least 72 hours prior to departure. The company is not responsible for any change to airline schedules or flight numbers after tickets have been issued.

(f) Airline tickets: All airline tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the dates and routings shown. If an airline ticket is lost, the client is responsible for the full cost of a new ticket and any changes that may occur in replacement.

(g) Airline, airport or weather delays:

The company will not be held responsible for any additional expenses or loss that may arise from airline, airport or weather delays. The company will not reimburse for any additional expenses incurred by the Client as a result. The company will not refund any unused portion of air tickets purchased in the event of such delays due to conditions beyond reasonable control.

16. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK:

The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. Prior to tour commencement, the Client may be asked to sign a participation form, with the following wording:

“I understand traveling with G.A.P Adventures may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand I am traveling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on conventional holiday. I have read and understood the G.A.P Adventures dossier for this trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I may have to G.A.P Adventures representatives. I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I fully and forever release and discharge G.A.P Adventures Inc. and all other related, affiliated, associated or


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.Terms & condiTions

otherwise connected corporations, partnerships, individuals and other entities and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all costs (including, without limitation, actual legal costs), claims, demands, actions, causes of action and liabilities whatsoever for any and all losses, damages, death or injuries to persons or loss of property, which may be sustained by me in connection with or in any way relating to this trip, due to any cause or reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the reckless, willful or negligent actions or omissions of the Releasees or any other person or persons.

Optional Activities

I understand during my trip there may be opportunities to undertake activities, which do not form part of the itinerary. I understand GAP Adventures makes no representations about the safety or quality of the activity, or the standard of the independent operator running it. I also understand G.A.P Adventures is in no way responsible for my safety should I elect to enter into such optional activities. With full knowledge of the above, I may still elect to partake in the activity, and if I do so, I assume full responsibility for any risks involved, and the waiver and release of the Releasees set out in the foregoing paragraph shall apply to such optional activities.”

17. AUTHORITY ON TOUR:

At all times the decision of the Company’s tour leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety and well being of the tour. By booking with the Company, the Client agrees to abide by the authority of the tour leader or Company representative. The Client must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. If the Client is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour, the Client must advise G.A.P Adventures at the time of booking. Should the Client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on the tour or, if in the opinion of the tour leader, the Client’s behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others the Company may terminate that Client’s travel arrangements without any liability on the Company’s part and the Client will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements.

18. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:

The Company guarantee selected departures at their discretion. The departure shall become guaranteed once there is one Client confirmed upon it. This guarantee of departure is still subject to force majeure situations, and the Company reserves the right to remove the guaranteed designation at anytime due to circumstances beyond reasonable control. The Company will not be held accountable for any indirect cost resulting to the client for this action.

19. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:

(a) The Client must be in possession of a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel through each destination point along the itinerary of the tour, (passport must be valid 6 months past the return date), all visas, permits and certificates including vaccination certificates, insurance policies, required for the whole of the journey. The Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the tour, and is solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by the Company regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the Client, and the Company is not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.

(b) To expedite the issuing of G.A.P Adventures travel documents please note that all tour related travel documents such as vouchers, itineraries and invoices will be sent via email or will be available on the website www.gapadventures.com once full payment has been received by the Company. The Company reserves the right to impose a fee for those Clients who wish to receive paper documents.

(c) It is the Client’s responsibility to visit the website at least 72 hours prior to departure to ensure the most current Tour Itinerary and Dossier is in their possession as minor changes may have been made since the tour documents were originally provided by the Company.

20. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY’S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE):

The Company shall not be liable in any way to the Client for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for the Company’s failure to commence, perform and/ or complete any duty owed to the Client if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by Act of God, war or war like operations, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, whether or not Company is a party thereto, interference by authorities, political disturbance, howsoever and where so ever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of Company.

21. INSURANCE:

It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$200,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses. Clients must be able to provide proof of Insurance purchase and adequate coverage as per the required amounts above if requested by the group Leader or Company Representative. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a vessel, train, bus, or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by the Company or elsewhere, are not reimbursable. Losses due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. The Company cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by the Company such as hotels, homestays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.

When the Client has obtained travel insurance through the Company, the Client acknowledges that he or she is satisfied with the levels of insurance arranged by the Company. Where the Client has declined to purchase insurance through the Company, the Client acknowledges that the cost of the tour does not include insurance, and that the Client is required to obtain separate coverage at an additional cost. When obtaining travel insurance from a source other than the Company the Client must ensure the insurer is aware of the type of travel to be undertaken.

22. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TOUR:

Client bookings are accepted on the understanding that they acknowledge that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Company’s obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements the Client books with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.

(a) The Company accepts responsibility for providing all elements of a package as defined and provided for under the Package Travel Regulation 1992. Where the Client does not suffer personal injury, the Company accepts liability, in accordance with paragraph (c) below, should any part of the tour arrangements booked with the Company not be supplied as described in this brochure and/or the website. In such a case, the Company will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s enjoyment of the tour arrangements has been adversely affected.

(b) Where the Client suffers death or personal injury as a result of an activity forming part of the tour arrangements booked with the Company, the Company accepts responsibility, in accordance with paragraph (c) below. If the Company has liability, it will pay reasonable compensation.

(c) The Company has liability in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) above and subject to paragraphs (d) below except where the cause of the failure to provide, or failure in, the Client’s tour or any death or personal injury the Client may suffer is not due to any fault of the Company or that of the Company’s agents or suppliers, because it is either attributable to the Client, or attributable to someone unconnected with the Client’s tour and is unforeseeable or unavoidable, or is due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the Company’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which neither the Company, nor its agents or suppliers could have foreseen or avoided by the Company.

(d) The Company’s acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, to the amount set out in the provisions of the Carriers Liability Limited, the 1961 Berne Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention and Warsaw/ Montreal Conventions.

(e) The Company’s acceptance of liability in clauses (a) and (b) above is subject to assignment by the Client to the Company of the Client’s rights against any agent, supplier or sub-contractor of the Company which is in any way responsible for the unsatisfactory tour arrangements or the Client’s death or personal injury.

23. DISCOUNTS:

All discounts and reduced pricing are applied at the Company’s discretion. The 5% discount for completing post trip evaluations cannot be applied to independent style travel tours.

24. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS:

If a Client has a complaint against the Company the Client must first inform the tour leader, Company representative, local Office Manager or Head Office whilst on the tour in order that the Company is provided the opportunity to rectify the matter. For Expedition departures, refer to Section 15 of the Expedition Ticket/Conditions of Carriage. Failure to indicate dissatisfaction whilst on tour will result in the client’s ability to claim compensation from the Company being extinguished or at least reduced. If satisfaction is still not reached through these means then any further complaint must be put in writing to the Company via it’s Agents or directly to [email protected] or G.A.P Adventures Inc., Customer Service Department, 19 Charlotte St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2H5 within 30 days of the end of the tour. The Company will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.

25. SUPPLIERS CONDITIONS:

Airlines, railways, coach and shipping companies and other suppliers have their own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and the Client will be bound by these as far as the relevant transport provider or supplier is concerned. Some of these conditions may limit or exclude liability on the part of the relevant transport provider or other supplier, and they are often also subject to various international conventions. Where relevant, copies of such conditions may be available for inspection at the Company’s offices, or at the offices of the relevant supplier. The Company’s liability will be limited to and shall not exceed that of its suppliers. The Client is precluded from making a double recovery by making the same claims and seeking the same recovery against the Company and its suppliers.

26. LOCAL CONDITIONS:

The Client acknowledges he or she will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present certain risks, dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in his or her daily lives. By booking travel with the Company, the Client acknowledges she or he has considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and expressly assumes the risks attendant to such travel conditions. The Client is solely responsible for acquainting themselves with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges and laws in effect at each stop along the itinerary, and are encouraged to locate or make contact prior to embarkation with his/her local embassy or consulate in each destination.

27. OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

Optional extras do not form part of the tour or contract. It is understood and accepted by the Client that any assistance given by the tour leader or representative in arranging optional extras does not render the Company liable for optional extras. Accordingly, the Client hereby releases the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages, loss of enjoyment, inconvenience, or injuries related to the quality of such products. Amongst others, optional extras include rafting, horseback riding, sightseeing flights and other extras that are not included in the tour price.

28. SEVERABILITY:

In the event that any term or condition contained herein is

unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining Terms and Conditions to survive and continue as binding.

29. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS:

These Terms and Conditions shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and the Client and their respective heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns.

30. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS:

Although the Company has made a concerted attempt to verify the accuracy of statements made herein and the Company cannot be held responsible for any error, omission or unintentional misrepresentation that may appear in this brochure or on the website.

31. PRIVACY POLICY:

The Company will provide personal information, as well as any personal information provided in relation to persons whose travel arrangements have been requested by the Client, to suppliers and carriers to enable the operation of the services requested. The Company will do all reasonably possible in endeavoring to protect personal information. Please refer to the website www.gapadventures.com for the Company’s Privacy Policy.

32. FINANCIAL SECURITY:

To ensure tour arrangements are fully protected, all money received as payment for tours booked with G.A.P Adventures Inc. is deposited in a Trust Account with HSBC. The G.A.P Adventures Client Trust Account is bound by regulations and independently audited. Money is held in Trust until the tour is completed or the services comprising the tour have been paid for by the Company.

33. APPLICABLE LAW AND CHOICE OF FORUM:

The contract including all matters arising from it is subject to the location the booking was made. Bookings made in the United Kingdom and European countries shall be governed by English Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. Bookings made elsewhere shall be governed by Canadian Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Canadian Courts.

34. UPDATING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The Company reserves the right to update and amend these terms and conditions at anytime. It is the responsibility of the Client to keep updated with any changes. The current version of terms and conditions will always be found on the website www.gapadventures.com and will be the terms referred to in any dispute.

Printed in Canada

Updated June 2008

In addition to the above Booking Conditions, the following Conditions of Carriage shall apply:

G.A.P ADVENTURES INC. CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE

THESE CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE GOVERN THE RELATIONSHIP, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES AS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AND THE CARRIER AND ARE BINDING. THEY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS TO SUE, GOVERNING LAW, FORUM AND JURISDICTION AND CONTAIN CERTAIN LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIMITATIONS RESPECTING INJURY TO OR DEATH OF PASSENGERS AND LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO LUGGAGE. PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY. BY ACCEPTING AND USING THIS TICKET, ALL PASSENGERS AGREE TO ACCEPT AND TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

1. DEFINITIONS:

“Ticket” means this entire document including all its terms and conditions of carriage.

“Carrier” means the owner and/or any charterer and/or operator and/or manager of the Vessel or any other person, to the extent that it acts as carrier or performing carrier (in accordance with the definition provided in the Athens Convention).

“Luggage” means any property belonging to or carried by any Passenger brought on board the Vessel, including baggage, packages, suitcases, trunks, effects, articles, cabin luggage, hand luggage, articles worn by or carried by the Passenger, or deposited with the purser for safe custody, vehicles and any other property whatsoever.

“Vessel” means the vessel named in the ticket, invoice, or other similar document issued by the Organizer or any substituted vessel owned and or chartered and or operated and or managed and or controlled by the Carrier.

“Organizer” means the party with which the Passenger has entered into a contract for the cruise and/or a Package as defined under the Council Directive 90/314/EEC of 13 June 1990 on Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours. or other relevant legislation or regulations.

“Passenger” includes every person purchasing, accepting or using the ticket on their own behalf or on behalf of others in their care including minors and persons with a disability for whom a Passenger is responsible.

2. CRUISE TICKET:

The cruise ticket includes the following services: all water transportation aboard the Vessel and the Vessel’s tenders, ship accommodation, expedition leader and lecturers or local guides, lectures, videos, slide and film shows or other educational means, all meals, access to public viewing areas, and all shore excursions. The following items are not included in the cruise ticket: airfare and air taxes, passport, visa and custom fees, ground handling fees, ground transfer costs, additional hotel accommodation, laundry, postage, drinks, medical expenses, travel insurance, communication cost, and gratuities to staff and crew.

3. NON-TRANSFERABILITY:

The Carrier agrees to carry the person(s) named on the ticket on the date and vessel for the specific voyage and cabin type indicated, or any substitute vessel, and is NOT TRANSFERABLE.

4. EMBARKATION:

(a) The Passenger is required to be on board the Vessel at least one hour before departure or earlier if advised by Carrier. Enhanced security procedures may require additional time. At the time of embarkation the Passenger is responsible for having received all medical inoculations necessary for the voyage and having in his/her

possession this Ticket, valid passport, visas, proof of insurance purchase and including adequate coverage (as per section 5), medical card and other documents necessary for scheduled ports of call and disembarkations. If Passenger fails to do so, then the Carrier shall have no further obligation to transport or to furnish transportation to Passenger.

(b) The Carrier shall not be liable to refund Passenger’s fare or for any other damages or expenses or consequential losses if the Passenger is prohibited from boarding due to lack of proper documents. The Carrier reserves the right to check and record details of such documentation. The Carrier makes no representation and gives no warranties as to the correctness as to any documentation, which is checked. Passengers are advised to consult their travel agent or the appropriate governmental authority concerning required documentation for travel. The Passenger shall indemnify the Carrier for all penalties, fines, charges, losses and expenses imposed upon or incurred by Carrier due to the Passenger’s failure to have proper documentation or otherwise comply with applicable laws or regulations of any kind, or imposed by governmental authorities including requirements relating to immigration, customs and excise.

(c) Any stamps on tickets, customs, excise or other taxes or fines on Passenger or Carrier resulting from the Passenger’s conduct, embarkation expenses, and all expenses of such a nature are to be paid by Passenger.

(d) Passengers will be required to register a valid credit card or payment method at the Purser’s desk upon embarkation for charges incurred during the voyage.

(e) ISPS Regulations may require all passengers boarding the ship to be issued a picture ID. Your digital picture may be taken and your ID issued during the embarkation process.

(f) A passenger shall not have the right to exclusive occupancy of a cabin with two (2) or more berths unless he has paid supplement for exclusive occupation. The Carrier reserves the right to transfer the Passenger from one cabin to another.

(g) If the Vessel is delayed by any cause whatsoever beyond the Carrier’s control, the Carrier shall be entitled to charge Passengers for their maintenance at current rates for every day of the delay.

(h) If for any reason whatsoever Passengers remain onboard after the arrival of the Vessel at their port of destination, the Carrier will require Passengers to pay for their maintenance at current rates for every night they remain onboard.

5. INSURANCE:

It is mandatory that all Passengers obtain and have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$200,000 while traveling with the Carrier. Such insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, loss of or damage to luggage, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses. Passengers must be able to provide proof of Insurance purchase and adequate coverage as per the required amounts above if requested by the Vessel’s officers, personnel or Carrier’s representative. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Passenger.

6. BAGGAGE, VALUABLES AND OTHER POSSESSIONS:

(a) Each Passenger may bring aboard the Vessel a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Each passenger is allowed the equivalent of two suitcases, (we strongly suggest the use of a backpack or a soft duffel bag), and two items of hand luggage. The passenger shall be charged for baggage in excess at the carrier’s current rate. The carrier reserves the right to refuse carriage of excess baggage.

(b) All baggage must be securely packed and distinctly labeled with the Passenger’s full name, the name of the Vessel, the cabin number of the Passenger and the sailing date of the Vessel. Under no circumstances may dangerous articles such as firearms, explosives, oxygen or combustible or illegal substances be taken aboard the Vessel.

(c) Pets and other animals are not allowed on board the Vessel.

(d) Hand or unlocked baggage, breakables and valuables, including but not limited to jewelry, money, precious stones, trade equipment, computers, photographic equipment or other electronics, securities, financial instruments and/ or tickets, must be hand-carried by Passengers on and off the Vessel, and may not be included with check- in baggage. The Carrier shall not be responsible for loss of or damage to such items.

7. LIABILITY FOR DEATH, INJURY AND/OR LOSS OF, OR DAMAGE TO LUGGAGE:

(a) The liability (if any) of the Carrier for death and/or personal injury to Passengers and/or the loss of or damage to Luggage during the passage shall be determined in accordance with The Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea adopted at Athens on the 13 day of December 1974 and Amended on the 19 December 1976 (hereinafter ”The Athens Convention”).

(b) The provisions of The Athens Convention are hereby expressly incorporated into the Conditions of Carriage. A copy of the Athens Convention is available on request and may be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.gapadventures.com

(c) It is presumed under the Athens Convention that the Carrier has delivered Luggage undamaged to a Passenger unless written notice is given by the Passenger within the following periods:

i) In the case of apparent damage before or at the time of disembarkation or redelivery.

ii) In the case of damage which is not apparent or loss of luggage within 15 days from the disembarkation or delivery of from the date and such redelivery should have taken place.

(d) The Carrier is not liable for loss of or damage to cash, negotiable security, jewelry, ornaments, works of art or any other valuables unless deposited with the Carrier specifically for the purposes of safekeeping. In those circumstances the Carrier’s liability will still be limited to the amounts payable under The Athens Convention to 1200 SDR’s. Safe deposits in cabins are not deposits with the Carrier pursuant to the Convention.

(e) The liability of the Carrier, his servants and or agents shall, subject to any deductibles, be limited by virtue of the Athens Convention in respect of death and/or personal injury to 46,666 SDRs (approximately €57,000) per passenger per carriage). Loss of or damage to cabin luggage to 833 SDRs; luggage other than cabin luggage 1200 SDRs; valuables deposited with the Carrier 1,200 SDRs. per Passenger per Carriage.

(f) The Carrier will only be liable in relation to death or personal

For more info, detailed itineraries, dates, availability, holiday surcharges and additional expenses, please visit our website. 103Terms & condiTions

injury and/or loss or damage to luggage in the event that the Carrier and/or its servants or agents are guilty of “fault or neglect” as required by Article 3 of The Athens Convention.

(g) Any damages payable by the Carrier shall be reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence by the Passenger as provided in Article 6 of the Athens Convention.

(h) In addition, the Carrier shall have the full benefit of any applicable laws providing for limitation and/or exoneration of liability (including without limitation, Law and/or the laws of the Vessel’s flag in respect of liability of/or the global limitation on damages recoverable from the Carrier and nothing in these Conditions of Carriage is intended to operate to limit or deprive the Carrier of any such statutory or otherwise limitation or exoneration of liability. The servants and/or agents of the Carrier shall have the full benefit of all such provisions relating to the limitation of liability.

(i) The responsibility of the Carrier is limited to the period(s) while the Passenger and/or his or her Luggage are on board the Vessel and/or any tenders and/or property owned or being operated by the Carrier.

(j) The time in which a claim may be brought under the Convention is limited to a period of 2 years from the date of disembarkation and or as set out in Article 16 of the Athens Convention.

(k) Without prejudice to the provisions of clauses a to j hereof, if any claim is brought against the Carrier in any jurisdiction where the applicable exemptions and limitations incorporated in these Conditions of Carriage are held to be legally unenforceable, then the Carrier shall not be liable for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property arising out of any cause of whatsoever nature not shown to have been caused by the Carrier’s own negligence and or fault and neglect.

(l) The Carrier is not liable for or in connection with or arising out of any acts or omissions of any kind of any independent sub-contractors on board the Vessel and/or ashore.

(m) The Carrier shall not be under any liability in respect of any claim whatsoever unless written notice of the claim is presented to the Carrier within six months from the date on which the claim arose and unless a suit or action is brought within one year from that date (with the exception of claims brought under the Athens Convention which shall be brought within a two-year period specified in Article 16 of the Athens Convention). After the expiry of the said period any suit or action shall be time-barred.

(n) The Conditions of Carriage including limitation of liability are applicable to any shore excursions purchased from and or provided by the Carrier.

(o) Settlements of reimbursable claims for lost luggage will be made on the basis of actual cash value (replacement cost, less depreciation). Settlements of reimbursable claims for damaged items will be on the basis of cost of repair or replacement, whichever is less. No amount shall be paid in settlement of any claim without proof of the actual cash value or repair cost as appropriate arising from the loss or damage. A written claim for loss of or damage to luggage must be made to Carrier before the Passenger leaves the debarkation area to enable the Carrier to investigate any damage and to conduct a search for claimed lost luggage. The Carrier shall not be responsible for any such loss or damage which is not so reported. Liability, if any, for loss or damage to luggage occurring elsewhere than on board the vessel in connection with air, car, motor coach, ground transfers, porters, stevedores and/or hotels shall rest solely with the person or entity providing such services and the Passenger agrees that the Carrier does not guarantee the performance of such services and shall not be liable in any respect or capacity for any such loss or damage.

8. ITINERARY / RIGHT TO CHANGE / DETENTION:

(a) At any time before or after commencement of the voyage and whether or not the Vessel may have deviated or have proceeded beyond the port of destination, the Carrier may by notice in writing to the Passenger or by advertising in the press or by any other suitable means terminate the cruise if the performance or further performance is hindered or prevented by causes beyond the control of the Carrier or if the Master or the Carrier consider that such termination is necessary for the management and/or safety of the Vessel.

(b) The Carrier visits a large number of ports in numerous countries around the world. The Carrier reserves the right at its sole option and discretion, without any liability for damages or refund of any kind, to deviate from the Vessel’s advertised or ordinary itinerary or route, to delay, advance or lengthen any sailing, to omit or change ports of call, to arrange for substantially equivalent transportation by another vessel and/ or by other means of transportation, whether belonging to Carrier or not, and to cause the Passenger to disembark from the Vessel temporarily or permanently.

(c) The Cruise Ship’s operation is subject to weather conditions, mechanical problems, vessel traffic, government intervention, duty to assist other vessels in distress, assistance of other vessels in distress, availability of berth facilities, and other factors which may be beyond the Carrier’s control.

(d) The Carrier or the Master shall have the liberty to comply with any Order or Directions as to departure/arrival routes, ports of call, stoppages, trans-shipment, discharge or destination or otherwise given by any government or any department or by any person acting or purporting to act with the authority of any government or any department thereof or by any war risks insurance association working under any government scheme in which the Vessel may be entered. Nothing done or not done under such orders or directions shall be deemed a deviation in law.

(e) Any dates and/or times specified in any timetables or otherwise which may be issued by the Organizer and/or the Carrier are only approximate and may be altered by the Carrier at any time and to such extent as is considered necessary in the interest of the voyage as a whole.

(f) While the Carrier endeavors to provide reasonable protection for the Passengers’ comfort and safety onboard its ships, the Carrier cannot guarantee freedom from all risks associated with war, terrorism, crime or other potential sources or harm. The Carrier reminds all passengers that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. All shore excursions or other excursions undertaken as part of the cruise (including transfers and all other matters incidental to such excursions) will be undertaken at the passenger’s sole risk and the Carrier will have limited liability to the passenger for any loss or damage in respect to such excursions.

(g) For purposes of assisting other vessels or protecting life or property, the Master of the Vessel has the right, at his sole discretion,

to deviate from the Vessel’s advertised or ordinary itinerary or route, to delay, advance or cancel any sailing, to omit or change any ports of call, to tow or to be towed, to transfer the Passenger and the Passenger’s luggage to any other vessel and or other means of transportation whether belonging to Carrier or not, to cause the Passenger to disembark the Vessel temporarily or permanently, and the Passenger shall have no claim against the Carrier in such circumstances.

(h) The Carrier reserves the right, without incurring liability of any kind, to refuse or revoke passage to, or confine to a stateroom, any Passenger who in Carrier’s sole judgment may be refused admission into a port of landing or into the country of destination, or for any other cause may endanger themselves or others, or is causing or is likely to cause distress or annoyance to others. Any Passenger who is refused passage or otherwise denied any advertised benefit or service under this paragraph shall not be entitled to receive any compensation whatsoever and shall become liable for any resulting expenses incurred by the Carrier.

9. FORCE MAJEURE:

The Carrier shall not be liable in any way to the Passenger for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property or for the Carrier’s failure to commence, perform and/ or complete any duty owed to the Passenger if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by Act of God, war or war like operations, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, whether or not the Carrier is a party thereto, interference by authorities, requisitioning of the Vessel, political disturbance, inability to secure or failure of supplies, perils of the sea, collision, foundering of the Vessel, explosion, breakdown or failure of or damage to the Vessel or its hull, machineries or fittings, howsoever and where so ever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of the Carrier.

10. HEALTH AND SECURITY / INDEMNIFICATION BY PASSENGER:

(a) The Passenger represents and warrants that the Passenger is physically and otherwise fit to travel; that he will at all times comply with Vessel’s rules and regulations and orders and directions of the Vessel’s officers, Expedition Leaders and medical staff, that his conduct will not impair the safety of the Vessel or inconvenience other passengers.

(b) Any passenger with a condition that may affect his fitness to travel must submit a physician’s certificate prior to departure.

(c) If it appears to the Carrier, the Master or the Cruise Ship’s Doctor that a Passenger is for any reason unfit to travel, likely to endanger health or safety, or likely to be refused permission to land at any port, or likely to render the Carrier liable for Passenger maintenance, support or repatriation, then The Carrier or the Master shall have the right to take any of the following courses: (i) Refuse to embark the Passenger at any port; (ii) Disembark the Passenger at any port; (iii) Transfer the Passenger to another berth or cabin; (iv) If the Cruise Ship doctor considers it advisable, to place him/or confine him in the Cruise Ship’s Hospital or to transfer the Passenger to a health facility at any port, at the Passenger’s expense (v) to administer first aid and administer any drug, medicine or other substance or to admit and/or confine the Passenger to a hospital or other similar institution at any port provided that the ship’s doctor and/or Master considers that any such steps are necessary.

(d) Where a Passenger is refused embarkation as a result of health and or fitness to travel, the Carrier shall not be liable for any loss or expense occasioned to the Passenger thereby, nor shall the Passenger be entitled to any compensation from the Carrier.

(e) Not all areas or equipment on the Vessel are accessible or suitable for access to physically challenged persons.

(f) The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify it of such disabilities or who in the Carrier’s and or Master’s and or Cruise Doctor’s opinion is unfit or unable to travel or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others onboard.

(g) Passengers who need assistance and/or have special requests or need special facilities or equipment must notify the Organizer at the time of booking. The Carrier is not obliged to provide any assistance or meet special requests unless the Carrier has agreed to do so in writing.

(h) Those Passengers physically challenged must be accompanied by a travelling companion fit and able to assist them. The ship’s wheelchairs are available for emergency use only.

(i) Any Passenger who embarks, or allows any other Passenger for whom he or she is responsible to embark, when he or she or such other Passenger is suffering from any sickness, disease, injury or infirmity bodily or mental or to his or her knowledge has been exposed to any infection or contagious disease, or for any other reason is likely to impair the health, safety or reasonable comfort of other persons onboard or for any reason is refused permission to land at his or her port of destination shall be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by the Carrier or the Master directly or indirectly in consequence of such sickness, disease, injury, infirmity, exposure or refusal or permission to land unless in the case of sickness, disease, injury, infirmity or exposure the same has been declared in writing to the Carrier or the Master before embarkation and consent in writing of the Carrier or the Master to such embarkation has been obtained.

(j) Pregnant women are highly recommended to seek medical advice prior to travel at any stage of their pregnancy. Women who are up to 24 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel. The Carrier cannot for health and safety reasons carry pregnant Passengers of 24 weeks or more at the time of embarkation. The Carrier reserves the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse passage if the Carrier and/or the Master and or the Cruise Doctor are not satisfied that the Passenger will be safe during the passage.

(k) Failure to inform the Carrier and the Vessel’s doctor of pregnancy will release the Carrier from any liability to the pregnant Passenger.

(l) The ship’s doctor is not qualified to deliver babies onboard or to offer pre or post natal treatment and no responsibility is accepted by the Carrier in respect of the ability to provide such services or equipment.

(m) If any condition affecting fitness to travel and or requiring medical attention arises after the cruise is booked, the Passenger is required to advise the Carrier in writing immediately. Failure to advise the Carrier as required hereunder shall release the Carrier and

all personnel aboard the Vessel from any liability related to such condition or its treatment.

(n) The Passenger hereby consents to a reasonable search being made of the Passenger’s person, luggage or other property and to the removal and confiscation or destruction of any object which may, in the opinion of the Carrier, be illegal, impair the safety of the Vessel, or inconvenience other Passengers.

(o) The Passenger shall indemnify the Carrier for all penalties, fines, charges, losses or expenses incurred or imposed upon the Carrier or the Vessel by virtue of any act or violation of law of the Passenger.

11. MINORS:

(a) The Carrier is unable to accommodate children under 12 years of age at the date of travel and reserves the right to restrict the number of those under eighteen years of age aboard the Expedition Vessel.

(b) Each child under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult over the age of twenty-one. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (seventeen and under). If the adult accompanying this child is not a parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by Carrier prior to sailing.

12. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR / SHORE TOURS / LIMIT OF LIABILITY:

(a) Tours, including pre- cruise, post- cruise and other shore excursions including hotels, restaurants and transportation, whether by vessel, air, rail, land or other means, not owned or operated by Carrier are not under the operation or control of Carrier, and the Carrier makes no representation of any kind as to them, and takes no responsibility for them.

(b) The Passenger shall have no right to any refund and Carrier shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to the Passenger for acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors since they are not agents or employees of Carrier. Arrangements with independent contractors include, but are not limited to the following:

(b-1) services or products available for the Passenger’s convenience on board the Vessel and furnished by doctor(s), photographer(s), entertainer(s), instructor(s), shopkeeper(s), lecturer(s) and others;

(b-2) services, products or transportation provided elsewhere than aboard the Vessel which are furnished by others in connection with sightseeing tours, pre- cruise and post- cruise tours, excursions and shore trips, including, but not limited to tender service, whether arranged or organized by tour operators, travel agents or Carrier.

(c) The independent contractors shall be entitled to charge for any products sold, services rendered or transportation provided to the Passenger either directly or through Carrier.

(d) Each Passenger agrees that all rights, exemptions from liability, defenses and immunities of whatsoever nature referred to in these Conditions of Carriage which are applicable to Carrier and the Vessel, shall in all respects inure also for the benefit of any servant, agent or independent contractor of the Carrier acting in the course of or in connection with their employment so that in no circumstances shall any such servant, agent or independent contractor as the result of so acting be under any liability to any such Passenger different from or higher than that of the Carrier. Any acceptance by the Carrier of payment for any such services is done only as a convenience to the Passenger and shall not modify the limitations or disclaimer of agency stated herein.

13. NON-LIABILITY FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT:

(a) The Carrier does not undertake that a physician or medical personnel will be aboard the Vessel. If the Vessel does carry a physician or medical personnel, then they are independent contractors and work directly for the Passengers. Any physician or other medical personnel that renders emergency treatment and/or performs medical or surgical services, does so at the rates fixed in the “Schedule of Physician’s Charges” posted aboard the Vessel or as otherwise agreed to, or in the absence thereof, then at customary rates.

(b) All Passengers are required to complete and submit a medical form 90 days prior to departure for Expedition Travel to Antarctica. Passengers to non-Antarctic destinations with pre-existing medical conditions are required to have the medical form signed and dated by a physician and submitted 90 days prior to departure. Failure to submit such a form may result in the Passenger being denied boarding.

(c) If, in the opinion of the Carrier, a Passenger in need of medical or surgical services is unable to request it, the Passenger hereby expressly consents to such treatment, if any, and to pay the cost thereof charged by the Vessel’s physician or other physician or medical personnel designated by the Carrier who in doing so is acting on behalf of the Passenger.

(d) All medicines and all medical or surgical services furnished by the Vessel’s physician, if any, or any other physician or medical personnel (all of whom are engaged by the Passenger as independent contractors) or ship’s officers, employees or agents of the Carrier, shall be and are accepted by and at the Passenger’s sole risk and expense, and the Carrier shall not be responsible for the quality, nature or consequence thereof.

(e) Neither the carrier, nor the Vessel’s physician, if any, has any obligation to examine any Passenger for any purpose prior to boarding or sailing.

(f) It is the Passenger’s obligation and responsibility to seek medical assistance from the qualified doctor onboard the Vessel as and when necessary during the cruise.

(g) The cruise ship’s doctor is not a specialist and the ship’s medical centre is not required to be and is not equipped to the same standards as a land-based hospital. The Vessel carries medical supplies and equipment as required by its flag state. Neither the Carrier nor the doctor shall be liable to the Passenger as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition as a result.

(h) In the event of illness or accident, Passengers may have to be landed ashore by the Carrier and/or Master for medical treatment. The Carrier makes no representations regarding the quality of medical treatment at any port of call or at the place at which the Passenger is landed.

(i) Passengers are advised to ensure that their insurance covers medical treatment.

(j) The Carrier accepts no responsibility whatsoever in relation to medical facilities provided ashore.

(k) Medical facilities and standards vary from port to port and the Carrier makes no representations or warranties in relation to such standards ashore.

14. PAYMENTS BY THE PASSENGER AND EXTRA EXPENSES:

Any and all payments for on board goods and or services shall be paid by the Passenger to Carrier in the currency of the United States of America or such other currency acceptable to Carrier. All charges for services and products provided on board the Vessel must be settled in cash or charged (via credit card acceptable to the Carrier) before the Passenger’s final disembarkation from the Vessel. Any other expenses incurred by the Passenger or by Carrier on behalf of the Passenger shall be payable by the Passenger on demand. The Passenger shall be liable to and shall reimburse the Carrier for all damages to the vessel and its furnishings and any equipment or property of the Carrier caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by any act or omission of the Passenger, whether accidental, willful or negligent. The Passenger shall further indemnify the Carrier and each and all of their agents or servants against all liability whatsoever arising from any personal injury, death or damage or loss whatsoever caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by any willful or negligent act or omission on the part of the Passenger.

15. NO GENERAL AVERAGE:

Passenger shall neither pay nor receive any general average contribution with respect to any property.

16. NO EMOTIONAL DAMAGES:

The Carrier shall not be liable to the passenger for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering/anguish or psychological injury of any kind under any circumstances, except when such damages are caused by the negligence of Carrier and resulted from the same passenger sustaining actual physical injury, or having been at risk of actual physical injury, or when such damages are intentionally inflicted by the Carrier.

17. NOTICE OF CLAIMS AND TIME LIMITS:

(a) The Carrier shall be under no liability whatsoever in respect of any claim arising from an accident which was not reported by the Passenger to the Master whilst onboard the Vessel in accordance with the Conditions of Carriage or at all.

(b) The Carrier shall not be liable for any claims whatsoever for personal injury, illness or death of the Passenger, unless full particulars in writing are given to the Carrier within 185 days after the date of the injury, event, illness or death giving rise to the claim. Claims for personal injury or illness sustained onboard the Vessel must include the medical report issued at the time of the personal injury, event or illness by the onboard physician or medical personnel. Claims for personal injury or illness sustained onboard the Vessel that do not have an accompanying medical report will not be maintainable. Suit to recover on any such claim shall not be maintainable unless filed within two years after the date of disembarkation in accordance with the Athens Convention and unless served on the Carrier within 120 days after filing.

(c) The Carrier shall not be liable for any claims whatsoever, other than for personal injury, illness or death of the passenger, unless full particulars in writing are given to the Carrier within 30 days after the Passenger is landed from the Vessel or in the case the Voyage is abandoned, within 30 days thereafter. Suit to recover on any claim whatsoever other than for personal injury, illness or death and or loss of and or damage to luggage shall not be maintainable unless filed within six months after the date the Passenger is landed from the Vessel or in the case the Voyage is abandoned, within six months thereafter, and unless served upon Carrier within 120 days after filing.

(d) The Carrier shall not be held vicariously liable for the intentional or negligent acts of any persons not employed by the Carrier nor for any intentional or negligent acts of the Carrier’s employees committed while off duty or outside the course and scope of their employment.

18. LAW AND JURISDICTION:

(a) ALL claims suits and litigation of any kind whether against the Carrier and or the Vessel in rem or otherwise shall be brought in Canada.

(b) These Conditions of Carriage shall be governed by the laws of Canada.

(c) Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Court of Canada, at Toronto, Canada in respect of any action, proceeding or litigation of any kind relating in any way to the passenger and or his luggage and or carriage on board the Vessel.

19. INTERPRETATION:

Should any provision, or portion of any provision, of these Conditions of Carriage be contrary to or invalid by virtue of the law of any jurisdiction or be so held by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed to be severed from this Ticket and of no force and effect and all remaining provisions herein shall continue to be in full force and effect. The headings of this Ticket are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof. Whenever the context so requires, references to the male gender shall include references to the female, and references to the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.

20. WARRANTIES/ CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES EXCLUDED:

All warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are expressly excluded from this ticket the Carrier shall under no circumstances be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever.

21. WRITTEN NOTICES:

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Ticket, all written notices required by this Ticket must be mailed, postage prepaid, to G.A.P Adventures Inc., 19 Charlotte St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2H5.

22. ENTIRE AGREEMENT:

The provisions of this ticket govern the entire relationship between the Passenger and the Carrier. The Passengers acceptance of this ticket constitutes the Passengers consent to these provisions. These provisions supersede any oral or written representations. Any change in these provisions must be in writing and signed by the President of the Carrier.

Printed in Canada Updated June 2008


& physical demands ratings please see page 7.frequenTly asked quesTions

What is local Payment?Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through. It goes towards services we pay for on the ground, and helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This assists G.A.P Adventures in keeping our prices competitive as less overhead costs are involved, and in-turn, passes our cost savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash, in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment details.

What’s included in the price of my trip?• All accommodation – mostly on a twin-share basis• Ground transportation as listed in itinerary• Full-time services of a G.A.P Adventures tour leader unless noted otherwise• Meals as listed in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)• Excursions and activities as detailed in the trip itineraries• Airport arrival transfers on some trips…see individual trip for details

What’s noT included in the price of my trip?• International flights • Visa and passport fees• Departure taxes and excess baggage fees• Insurance of any kind• Meals and drinks not specified• Optional excursions and activities• Items of a personal nature• Tips

do i need a passport?Yes. Everyone needs a passport, and it is essential to have a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay. (You would be surprised at how many people set off with invalid passports!). It’s a good idea to make two sets of photocopies of all your documents, including your passport. Leave one set at home and leave the other tucked away in your luggage, away from the originals.

do i need a Visa?Contact your local embassy, consulate or travel agent for the most up-to-date visa requirements. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

While G.A.P Adventures does not involve itself with visa processing, we will steer you in the right direction of who to contact either to apply for your visas independently or through a visa service. Just ask us.

do i need Travel insurance?Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details including the emergency assistance contact number. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you be covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation to the amount of 200,000 USD. We strongly recommend the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. G.A.P Adventures offers competitive rates on personal travel insurance.

What documentation will i receive from G.a.P adventures? On receipt of your deposit, an information package will be sent to you or your travel agent via email. Shortly after paying your tour in full, you should receive a copy of your tour vouchers and any other vouchers for additional services that you may have booked. All of our travel information is available online. While it’s important for you to read the dossier completely, prior to booking your tour, you should also download a copy 2 weeks prior to departure to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding your tour.

are flights included? All tour prices are based on land prices only, as our clients come from many different parts of the world. International flights can be booked through a travel agent or direct with G.A.P Adventures (only from North America at the time of printing). All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important we have your passport information as well as your full name as it appears on your passport at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

How do i join the tour?Detailed joining instructions are included in your trip dossier. Please see individual trip details for specific joining instructions.

How much spending money should i bring?Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. As far as spending money goes, each trip page gives an idea of how much to budget per day for food, but for a more thorough description we recommend you have a look at the dossier.

What is the age range of my fellow travellers?Our holidays have a very wide appeal, so you will usually find a wide age range on any of our trips. More important than age is your fitness level and ability to participate in the tour’s itinerary. Please refer to the tour’s Trip Style, Physical Demands and Service Levels for more information. Clients must be a minimum of 12 years of age. An adult over 21 must accompany all children between 12 and 17, and the ratio must be 1 adult per 2 children and 2 adults per 4 children (17 and under). All enquiries with respect to children are subject to review and approval by G.A.P Adventures. On Family adventures the minimum age is 5 years old and the maximum child age is 17.

Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, and ALL travellers bound to the Antarctic, must fill out a medical questionnaire and have it signed by a physician. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the days activities.

How fit do i have to be?It really depends on the trip style, service level and physical demands of the specific tour you choose. Our Patagonia and Everest Base Camp trips are among our more strenuous trips. However, the majority of our adventures require only a moderate level of activity and are undertaken by travellers of all ages and fitness levels. All you really need is a keen sense of adventure. Please refer to the Trip Style and Physical Demands and Service Levels on page 7 for more information. If you are still unsure just give us a call.

How do i stay healthy?You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Many areas of the world require vaccinations. It is of the utmost importance as, depending on the area, it is possible to be refused entry into a country if you do not have the required vaccinations.

Who will be leading our tour?All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your group leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use expert local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III naturalists in the Galapagos, and an expedition team aboard the M/S Explorer. See individual trip for details.

What if a group of us want to travel together?We are happy to create a custom departure for most of the trips in this brochure for groups of 8 people or more. Please contact us for more information.

If you are looking for a custom itinerary for yourself, your family or special interest group, we can work with you to design and itinerary to suit your needs, helping to create your own personal trip of a lifetime. Please email [email protected] for more info. We also have an Independent and Tailormade brochure providing further information on this service.

Hang on….is this for me?G.A.P Adventures offers holidays for the traveller seeking an authentic experience. We intend to show you the “real” world. Although we could easily shield you from the less-westernized areas of a country, we choose not to, as it would be an injustice to you and the communities we visit. On occasion, you may not receive the services and standards you are accustomed to at home, however, these lesser-visited areas are where you will find the most fulfilling experiences. Open your mind and step outside of your comfort zone. You will be rewarded with a once in a lifetime, authentic travel experience

frequenTly asked quesTions

Photographs: The photographs in this brochure were mostly supplied by G.A.P Adventures staff and tour leaders; as well by Ewen Bell, Brendan Powell & the Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.TATnews.org). The photos in this brochure are

representative of the places visited and sights seen on tour. There is no guarantee any selected tour will see these same places or sights. Additional thanks to all our travelers and friends who have submitted photos.

Adventure Indexcountry / trip name trip code days service level page country / trip name trip code days service level page

BANGLADESH Bangladesh Adventure AHBA 14 Standard 93 BHUTANDarjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan AHDS 14 Comfort 95CAMBODIA Indochina Discovery ATID 30 Basic 28Indochina Encompassed ATIE 29 Standard 29Cambodia Experience AVCW 9 Standard 32Roam Cambodia ATRC 10 Basic 33Discover Cambodia AKDC 12 Standard 33Essential Vietnam and Cambodia AVEV 17 Standard 34Roam Camobdia & Vietnam ATCV 20 Basic 34Timeless Indochina AVTN 15 Comfort 35Ancient Angkor Wat TAKAAC 4 Comfort 36Gourmet Indochina ATGH 15 Standard 38Land of the Golden Buddhas ATGB 11 Standard 37Thailand In Style with Angkor ATIS 12 Superior 44CHINA Trail of the Buddha ATTB 24 Standard 22Himalayan Loop AHHL 28 Standard 23Trans Mongolian Express ACTM 21 Standard 24Asia Backroads - Beijing to Bangkok ACBB 21 Standard 26Bangkok to Hong Kong ATBK 28 Standard 27Land of the Golden Buddhas ATGB 11 Standard 37Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo ACCJ 18 Standard 66China Express ACCR 8 Standard 66Essential China ACEC 21 Standard 67Discover China ACDC 21 Standard 67China In Style ACIS 14 Superior 68China Splendour ACCS 15 Comfort 68Gourmet China ACGC 14 Standard 69Cycle China ACCC 12 Standard 70China Hike, Bike and Raft ACHB 14 Standard 70Highlights of China ACHC 14 Standard 71Roam China - Hong Kong to Beijing ACRC 18 Basic 71Wild China ACWC 21 Basic 72Southern China Adventure ACSC 13 Basic 72Hanoi to Hong Kong AVHK 15 Standard 73Silk Road Adventure ACSR 21 Standard 73Independent China Adventures -- Varies Varies 74Spice Road - Delhi to Kashgar AHSR 14 Standard 96INDIA Trail of the Buddha ATTB 24 Standard 22Himalayan Loop AHHL 28 Standard 23Spice Road - Delhi to Kashgar AHSR 14 Standard 96Little Tibet - Ladakh and Dharamsala AHLA 15 Standard 80Beyond the Himalayas AHBH 15 Standard 80India Golden Triangle AHGT 8 Standard 81Essential India AHEH 15 Standard 82India Encompassed AHHE 28 Standard 89Incredible India AHHH 21 Standard 85Rajasthan Adventure AHRA 15 Standard 86Jewels of Northern India AHJN 14 Comfort 86Roam India AHRH 20 Basic 87Spiritual India AHSH 15 Standard 87Tigers and Wildlife AHTW 14 Standard 88Gourmet India AHGH 14 Standard 88Jewels of Southern India AHJS 14 Comfort 89Uncover India - Delhi to Goa AHUH 15 Basic 89Beaches and Backwaters AHBB 7 Basic 90Best of Southern India AHBS 14 Standard 90Discover India - Delhi to Cochin AHDC 21 Basic 91Independent India Adventures -- Varies Varies 94Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan AHDS 14 Comfort 95India In Style AHIS 12 Superior 81Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure AHDK 15 Standard 96Best of India and Nepal AHHN 17 Standard 97INDONESIA Bali Adventure AEBA 8 Standard 59Discover Lombok AEDL 9 Standard 59Best of Bali & Lombok AEBL 15 Standard 60Indonesia Island Hopping AEHH 13 Standard 60West Papua AEWP 15 Standard 61IRAN, TURKMENISTAN & UZBEKISTAN Tashkent to Tehran AUTT 21 Standard 25JAPAN & KOREA Discover Japan AJDJ 14 Standard 62Japan Express - Tokyo - Osaka AJJT 9 Standard 63Japan Hike, Bike and Raft AJHB 14 Standard 64Mountains and Hotsprings AJMO 14 Standard 64Tokyo to Seoul AJJK 15 Standard 65Independent Japan Adventures -- 5 Comfort 65Ancient Empires - Beijing to Tokyo ACCJ 18 Comfort 66LAOS Trail of the Buddha ATTB 24 Standard 22Asia Backroads - Beijing to Bangkok ACBB 21 Standard 26Bangkok to Hong Kong ATBK 28 Standard 27Indochina Discovery ATID 30 Basic 28Indochina Encompassed ATIE 29 Standard 29

Roam Laos AVRL 12 Basic 37Cambodia & Laos Mekong Adventure ATCL 15 Standard 39Land of the Golden Buddhas ATGB 11 Standard 32Bangkok to Hanoi Adventure ATBH 14 Standard 40MALAYSIA Independent Malaysia Adventures -- Varies Varies 55Borneo - Sabah Wildlife Adventure TAABSN 5 Standard 55Best of Borneo AABB 17 Standard 56Borneo: Discover Sarawak AADS 9 Standard 57Borneo: Sabah Adventure AASA 10 Standard 57Best of Malaysia & Borneo AAMB 14 Standard 58Roam Bangkok to Singapore ATRM 14 Basic 51MALDIVES Maldives Dhoni Sailing AFMS 7 Standard 92Maldives Beach Break TAFMBS 6 Superior 95MONGOLIA & RUSSIA Nomadic Mongolia AMNM 21 Standard 75Trans Mongolian Express ACTM 21 Standard 24NEPAL Himalayan Loop AHHL 28 Standard 23Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure AHDK 15 Standard 96Best of India and Nepal AHHN 17 Standard 97Nepal Adventure ANNA 10 Standard 98Annapurna & Everest ANAE 20 Standard 98Everest Adventure ANEA 15 Standard 99Trekking Annapurna ANTA 21 Standard 99PAKISTAN Himalayan Loop AHHL 28 Standard 23Spice Road - Delhi to Kashgar AHSR 14 Standard 96SRI LANKA Sri Lanka Experience ASSP 8 Standard 95THAILAND Trail of the Buddha ATTB 24 Standard 22Asia Backroads - Beijing to Bangkok ACBB 21 Standard 26Bangkok to Hong Kong ATBK 28 Standard 27Indochina Discovery ATID 30 Basic 28Indochina Encompassed ATIE 29 Standard 29Essential Vietnam and Cambodia AVEV 17 Standard 34Roam Camobdia & Vietnam ATCV 20 Basic 34Cambodia & Laos Mekong Adventure ATCL 15 Standard 39Gourmet Indochina ATGH 15 Standard 38Land of the Golden Buddhas ATGB 11 Standard 32Bangkok to Hanoi Adventure ATBH 14 Standard 40Northern Hilltribes and Villages ATHV 8 Basic 40Thailand Sailing Adventure ATSA 7 Standard 41Northern Thailand Experience ATNP 15 Standard 42Treasures of Thailand ATTT 12 Comfort 42Thailand Hike, Bike and Raft ATHB 14 Standard 43Northern Thailand Discovery ATND 9 Standard 43Thailand In Style with Angkor ATIS 12 Superior 44Southern Thailand Sojourn ATSS 9 Basic 46Thailand Island Hopping ATTW 9 Standard 46Roam Thailand ATRT 16 Basic 47Thailand Discovery ATTD 17 Standard 47Thailand Experience ATTX 22 Standard 48Independent Thailand Adventures -- Varies Varies 52iStyle Bangkok TATBY 4,5,6 Standard,Comfort 59TIBET Trail of the Buddha ATTB 24 Standard 22Himalayan Loop AHHL 28 Standard 22Classic Tibet TACCTC 7 Comfort 74Tibetan Adventure ACTA 15 Standard 76Tibet Encompassed ACKA 28 Standard 77High Road to Tibet ANRT 14 Standard 78Across the Roof of the World ACRW 14 Standard 81Cycle Tibet ACCT 22 Standard 79Mountain Roads - Urumqi to Kathmandu ACMR 15 Standard 79 VIETNAM Bangkok to Hong Kong ATBK 28 Standard 27Indochina Discovery ATID 30 Basic 28Indochina Encompassed ATIE 29 Standard 29Best of Vietnam AVBV 15 Standard 31Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Saigon AVCH 10 Standard 29Roam Vietnam AVRV 12 Standard 28Cycle Vietnam AVCV 15 Standard 32Essential Vietnam and Cambodia AVEV 17 Standard 34Roam Cambodia & Vietnam ATCV 20 Basic 34Timeless Indochina AVTN 15 Comfort 35Independent Vietnam Adventures -- Varies Varies 36Gourmet Indochina ATGH 15 Standard 38FAMILY TRIPS 15LIMITED EDITION TRIPS 16VOLUNTEER TRIPS 19

Terms and Conditions 101FAQ 104

WorldwideWorldwide Africa & Middle East Europe & Middle EastSouth, Central & North America

CANADA19 Charlotte St.

Toronto, ON M5V 2H5Toll Free Reservations:

1 800 465 5600

UK P. O. Box 60561

LondonW2 7QN

Reservations: 0870 999 0144

USA364 Avenue of the AmericasNew York, NY 10011-8402

Toll Free Reservations: 1 800 465 5600

AUSTRALIA122 Hardware Street

MelbourneVIC, 3000

Reservations: 1300 796 618

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